The family of Andries Khomola, the owner of the Elim Mutonga Vari Tavern, are still trying to come to terms with their grief after he was shot and killed by unknown suspects on Friday, 9 September.
According to the Waterval police, who responded to the scene, Khomola was busy attending to clients at his tavern from behind the bar counter when he was slain at about 21:30. Four unknown suspects allegedly entered the tavern. One of them was carrying a pistol and began shooting at Khomola without saying a word.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said Khomola was shot once in the chest, with the bullet escaping through the back of his body. He was later pronounced dead by EMS workers. "The suspects robbed the deceased of an undisclosed amount of cash and left the crime scene on foot. At least six empty 9mm cartridges, one live [round of] ammunition, and one projectile were recovered," he said.
Cases of robbery and murder were opened and two suspects were arrested in the Elim area on Monday, 12 September.
The family spokesperson, Mr Thomani Tshimbiluni, said the news had come as a shock to them. "We felt hurt as a family because of the way my uncle died. We can only find closure if the police hunt down these suspects and give them a hefty sentence," he said.
Khomola will be buried on Saturday, 17 September, at Ramukhubathi graveyard, near the Lemana dam.