Shockwaves rippled through the Elim community last week when news that former radio presenter for Elim FM Tshifhiwa Theophelus Mugwena was murdered, made the rounds. Mugwena (39), who was affectionately known as "Mr Tee", was shot and killed at Nghomunghomu village, in Malamulele, on the evening of Thursday, 14 September.
The incident occurred shortly after Mugwena hosted a revival crusade near Nghomunghomu Bottle Store at around 18:00. He allegedly met his untimely demise at the hands of the bottle store owner. Mugwena was from Chabani village, near Elim.
According to Sgt Busisiwe Khuzwayo, communications officer for the Malamulele SAPS, Mugwena was leaving the Kingdom Life Church, where he was also a pastor, to visit a house opposite the bottle store when he was allegedly fatally shot by the owner of the bottle store. Khuzwayo said the suspect had been apprehended at the scene and was being detained at Malamulele SAPS. The motive behind this shocking killing remains unknown at this stage.
The unanswered questions only intensify the grief and confusion felt by those who knew and respected the deceased. Mr Kenny Mugwena, his younger brother, expressed the family's profound shock and sorrow at their sudden loss. "We are deeply saddened as a family. We have lost a brother who used to unite the family. His work brought our families and relatives together. We are hopeful that justice will be served through the legal process," he said.
The founder of Elim FM, Mr Innocent Maringa, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. "We would like to thank him for the three months he worked with us in 2021, and we can attest that he was a faultless presenter. May his soul rest in peace," he said.
The suspect, Mr Gezani Chauke (50), appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate Court on Monday, 18 September. The case was postponed to 28 September for profiling and bail application.