The latest execution-style murder of a local man in Musina has heightened fears of a growing wave of mysterious shootings, leaving residents questioning whether organised criminal networks could be behind the bloodshed.
In the latest incident, police in Vhembe have launched a manhunt for two unknown gunmen following a brazen daylight attack in which local resident Jimmy Phaswana (37) of Mshenguville, near Musina High School, was gunned down outside his home.
The incident, which has become the talk of the township, occurred on Saturday morning, 30 May. The murder adds to an increasing number of unexplained killings in the area and has once again placed the spotlight on Musina’s persistent gun violence.
Community crime activist Mr Jairos Kamanga of the Musina Crime Prevention Forum said crime had become a major concern for residents.
“Day in and day out we hear of people being robbed and electricity cables being stolen, but the most disturbing crime is the growing number of firearm-related killings, while the perpetrators continue to roam the streets,” said Kamanga, adding that the latest killing had deeply saddened the community.
“We do not even know the reason behind his murder. All we know is that some time ago his house was allegedly burnt down by unknown people,” he said.
Kamanga said they had asked the police to intensify patrols in all areas.
“As community members, we remain on the ground conducting routine patrols and we call on the police to strengthen their partnership with us. We are deeply concerned about the number of unsolved shootings that have rocked the town in recent times,” he said.
In March this year, a 49-year-old man was gunned down at Musina Plaza by armed suspects who fled the scene. Although police have not established any link between the incidents, residents continue to speculate that some of the killings may be connected to criminal syndicates operating along the busy border corridor.
According to Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi, Phaswana had just returned from a local funeral and parked his vehicle outside his home when he was ambushed.
“Information at our disposal indicates that the deceased had parked his vehicle and was still seated inside when two unknown male suspects approached and opened fire. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was certified dead at the scene. A total of 14 spent cartridges were recovered during the processing of the crime scene,” said Dathi.
Phaswana sustained eight gunshot wounds and was found slumped over in the driver’s seat.
Police are following all possible leads and have appealed to members of the public to provide information that may assist in the arrest of the perpetrators. Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Beauty Machete, on 082 818 1403.