While Kwazakhele residents remain in shock after a string of brazen shootings, the violence has spilt over to another Nelson Mandela Bay township, this time in Motherwell.
A husband and wife were gunned down in their homes on Sunday, while the body of a woman was found at the entrance to her kitchen a short distance away on Friday.
The couple’s 13-year-old child was shot in the right leg during the attack, while two other children were unharmed.
The shooting took place soon after Sandile Katuli, 46, arrived home in Nkanyezi Street.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said three gunmen entered the house and shot dead Katuli and his wife, Nomabhongo Sebe, 46.
Naidu said the motive for the murders was under investigation.
On Friday, Bulewa Tonga’s body was found near the kitchen door in Feni Street, Motherwell.
Her age is unknown.
“She sustained multiple bullet wounds,” Naidu said.
Speaking from Sebe’s home, her father, Danile Sebe, 62, said he was still in disbelief at the shocking cruelty shown to his family.
“Nomabhongo was my only child and a provider for me.
“I lost my son and she was my only hope, as I don’t have any source of income.”
He said the incident happened just after he had eaten a midmorning meal inside a back room on the property.
“It was daylight.
“We never thought this could happen.”
He said nothing was stolen from the house, which raised more questions as to why the men were sent to kill his family.
“I could not sleep last night [Sunday] thinking about what happened.”
Danile said he had heard the gunshots and went to look.
“I saw their lifeless bodies.
“It is difficult to bear,” he said.
“The men who killed my children were heartless.
“How could they even injure my granddaughter, who is physically challenged?”
He said the family was yet to meet to discuss the funerals, but hoped the police arrested the suspects.
“I wish all those behind these killings will be bought to book and justice prevails.”
Fearful residents nearby said the shooting was unexpected and had left them living in fear.
“We don’t know what is going to happen next.
“We are constantly locking our gates because we don’t know the motive behind the shootings and who is going to get killed first,” a resident, who declined to be named, said.
She said the dead couple was young and humble.
“Something must be done about the crime.
“We can’t live like this.
“Innocent children have been left behind and the old man is unable to take care of himself,” she said.
At Feni Street, family members said they had not been given permission to speak to the media.
Motherwell Ward 55 councillor Thanduxolo Doda said the level of crime in Motherwell was scary.
“The Motherwell NU11 community was a quiet area, but since November, shootings, hijackings and murders have escalated,” he said.
He said people were living in fear and constantly asking him what the plan to combat the escalating crime was.
“We have had various meetings with law enforcers and other stakeholders for possible solutions and interventions on this matter,” he said.
He said the police in Motherwell were overwhelmed.
“We need more manpower and resources in Motherwell.
“We need the Metro Police on the ground.
“We live in a metro and they should be deployed to hotspots.”
Doda said crimes in Motherwell were not random shootings, but organised.
HeraldLIVE