Families of the Soweto mass shooting seeking answers

FAMILIES of the 16 people who were shot and killed in Orlando East, Soweto on Sunday morning, are demanding answers.

They woke to the news that day that their loved ones, who went out to watch a soccer match had been shot, execution style, at a tavern. Others who were there were injured.

The Mjoli brothers, Sthembiso, 34, a general worker, and Luyanda, who was unemployed, 19, from Umzimkhulu in Kwazulu-natal were among those who were killed during the shooting. The Mjoli brothers relocated to Johannesburg several years ago with their parents, who went for better job opportunities.

Their sister, Mandisa Mjoli, described them as inseparable, and said they spent most weekends together.

“They loved soccer and playing pool, and that I think made them inseparable,” she said.

Mjoli said that she had last spoken to Sthembiso on Friday night and Luyanda on Saturday evening.

“He told me that he was going to meet Sthembiso at Mdlalose’s Tavern to watch a football match,” she said.

Mjoli said she was the first person in the family to be called, since they rented rooms in the same yard in Orlando with the brothers.

“We want answers, why were they killed, they were there to watch soccer,” she said.

Another victim, Daliwonga Mluma, 54, from Eastern Cape was described as a loving, warm-hearted and hard working person.

His sister, Mpumi Chiwa said she was still in shock over her brother’s death.

Chiwa said Mluma, who was a

general worker at an engineering company, would be remembered for his kindness and sense of humour. She said he had moved to Soweto in 1990 with his mother and his three sisters.

Chiwa said because Nomzamo informal settlement (Orlando East) does not have access to electricity, Mluma and a few of his neighbours would go to the nearby tavern to watch games, play pool and watch TV soapies.

“Mluma was the breadwinner in his family and his wife is left with two young children. We are left with so many unanswered questions as to who would want our “Dali” murdered. The justice system has to work tirelessly in order to bring the perpetrators to book. In that way, the families will be able to find closure,” she said.

Among the other victims were Simthembile Gamede, Nkosiyezwe Malunga, Philani Mngomezulu, Thamsanqa Malunga, Mlondi Dlangisa, Menzi Nzimande, Njabulo Dlangisa, Siphethuxolo Chiliza, Sifiso Sosibo, Nhlanipho Mbanjwa and Sibonelo Ngubane.

The burials for the victims were still unclear as police were still busy with investigations.