A well-known businessman, Hlayisani Mathonsi, popularly known as Ndzima, is still in shock after armed intruders stormed his home in Bungeni Njhakanjhaka village. The attack happened in the early hours of Wednesday, 29 January, while Mathonsi and his family were asleep. It ended in gunfire, leaving one suspect dead, while two others escaped.
The 53-year-old businessman described the ordeal, saying he woke up to unusual noises and checked his CCTV cameras, only to see three armed men in balaclavas attempting to break into his house through the garage and main doors.
"It was not easy to go through such an experience. My biggest concern was my family's safety. This had never happened to me before. As businesspeople, we need the government to introduce proper security strategies because, by the time private security companies arrive, it's often too late," he said.
Ward councillor Monika Rikhotso voiced concern over the rise in crime, which is negatively affecting business owners and the community at large. "This was the first major incident, but house break-ins have been increasing. Community patrols previously helped reduce crime, leading to some arrests," he said.
He added that efforts were now underway to establish a community security committee to work alongside law enforcement. "We rely on businesspeople for economic growth, and incidents like these set us back."
Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said armed suspects had tried to enter Mathonsi's home by breaking the garage and house doors. "The complainant went to investigate and saw three armed men wearing balaclavas. The suspects opened fire, and the complainant returned fire, fatally shooting one suspect while the other two escaped," Dathi said.
Police recovered a 9mm firearm and 25 spent cartridges at the crime scene. A case of attempted house robbery and an inquest have been opened.
"The deceased was identified as 42-year-old Moloshi Jan Talane from Ga-Masemola village near Pretoria. His body was taken to Elim Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem," Dathi said.
The two remaining suspects are still at large. Police urge anyone with information to contact Sgt Mulaudzi Thilivhali on 072 088 0949. Investigations continue.