The Shayandima community, along with the Vhembe business sector, has suffered a devastating blow with the cold-blooded murder of one of the district's top gearbox experts, Mr Benjamin Mabuli, widely known as Binja.
The 39-year-old entrepreneur from Ngovhela, near Thohoyandou, was shot dead during an apparent robbery and vehicle hijacking on Monday at around 23:30. The incident occurred at his workshop in New Road, Shayandima, where he was shot twice in the upper body.
The shocking incident took place just months after Mabuli had relocated to his new workshop premises. Previously, he had operated from a makeshift shack at Shuma Park in Shayandima's industrial area.
Mabuli's business, Benjamin Gearbox and Diff Centre, was highly regarded, particularly among taxi drivers who relied on him for his exceptional service. He was also seen as an inspiring example of someone who had risen from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a murder-and-robbery case has been opened, and a manhunt is underway for the suspects. "A complaint was received regarding a car hijacking, and police rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a man with gunshot wounds to his upper body," said Ledwaba.
According to Ledwaba, Mabuli and a lady friend of his were seated in a white Toyota Fortuner at his workshop when three unknown men approached him and demanded the vehicle's keys at gunpoint. "The victim was forced to exit the vehicle and was searched. He was instructed to sit in the back of the car, but he refused. The suspects then shot him and fled the scene in his vehicle," he said. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but Mabuli had already succumbed to his injuries.
An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, said it was after 23:30 while he was on his rounds that he had come across the scene. "I was driving when I noticed a woman being pushed out of the Fortuner, which drove off at high speed. I took it for granted that it was boys and girls from the nearby tavern fighting, but my instincts told me to stop. On approaching the girl, I realised it was my old classmate. She was crying and she told me they shot Benjamin, whom I knew very well," he said.
He rushed to the scene, only to find Benjamin where he had collapsed a few metres away from where he was shot. "He was in a pool of blood with multiple gun wounds. I called several of his friends and family members, but he was declared dead at the scene. I am still in shock. I have never seen something like this," he said.
This latest murder has reignited fears that Shayandima is becoming a hotspot for violent crime, particularly targeting owners of specific vehicle brands stolen and trafficked across the country's borders.
Mr Ntsieni Mbulungeni, chairperson of the Thulamela Business Forum (TBF), expressed deep concern over the impact of crime on local businesses. "The rising level of violent crime is extremely worrying. It's unacceptable that individuals contributing to job creation are being targeted and affected by crime," he said.
Mbulungeni added that Thohoyandou and surrounding areas had become notorious for high crime rates. "It's time for all of us to work together with law enforcement agencies to tackle this issue," he said.
Meanwhile, police are appealing to the community for assistance in solving the case. "Anyone with information that can assist in the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the investigating officer, Capt Edward Raselingwana Mawela, at (082) 414-7763, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or visit the nearest police station," said Ledwaba.