Residents of Tshithuthuni village in the Siloam area are still in shock after an Ethiopian shop owner was gunned down on Friday evening, while a local community leader narrowly escaped death. The shooting occurred at about 20:20 on 6 March.
Mr Thinawanga Malise, chairperson of SANCO in Tshithuthuni and a survivor of the attack, said he was driving home shortly after 20:00 when he noticed what appeared to be a fight in the street.
“I could not just drive past without seeing what was happening. When I approached, I suddenly heard gunshots,” he said.
Malise said he initially tried to pursue one of the suspects. “I tried to chase him, but he turned and fired shots at me. A bullet struck my vehicle’s windscreen right in front of the steering wheel. By sheer luck, it missed me by inches,” he said.
Shaken, he later returned to the scene and found a man lying in a pool of blood. “We immediately called emergency personnel, but sadly he was declared dead at the scene,” Malise said.
The deceased was identified as Ethiopian businessman Mr Gachebo Tamana, believed to be 27 years old. The killers left two school bags at the scene, one containing a pair of handcuffs, the other empty.
Malise said the incident left him traumatised and the community devastated, especially upon realising that his neighbour had been killed. “It was simply not my day to die. But unfortunately, my friend was killed in cold blood. He was a good man who helped many people in this community,” he said.
Local traditional leader Vhamusanda Vho Alfred Netshithuthuni also expressed shock. “We are deeply shocked by this heinous crime. Something must be done to prevent such incidents. We urge residents to remain vigilant and assist police with any information. We will convene a community meeting to discuss the way forward,” he said.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects. Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi said Tamana had just closed his shop and was walking home when he was attacked. Dathi added that the suspects are still unknown and the motive has not yet been established, although robbery cannot be ruled out.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact Sergeant Rabelani Victor Ndou on 071 401 3203.