A Delft family is in shock after their hard-working cousin was gunned down in a senseless killing on Friday.
Mbabalo Fokizi, 54, a father of three, was killed for no apparent reason after he went to the local shebeen, located on the corner of Tallis and Spohrs streets in Suburban, for a few beers with friends.
A witness at the scene, who did not wish to be named, says the murder of Fokizi, who was a security guard, was senseless.
“He loaned his car to a friend on Thursday who bought beers and people who were in the car were robbed by a few guys at the shebeen.
“Fokizi came the next day to buy beer and he had three others in the car with him and one of them asked who robbed his friend. That’s when things went out of control,” the witness says.
He says a group of about 15 men stormed out of the shebeen and started pelting Fokizi, his friends and his vehicle, a Mazda Sting, with stones.
Mbabalo crashed into a house while trying to escape. Photo: Leon Knipe/African News Agency (ANA)
“They drove off, but the car crashed into a house in the street and they ran from the car. These guys came with weapons and shots were fired.
“We all started running for our lives. These guys are dangerous,” the witness says.
Fokizi’s cousin, Andile Csita, 49, says his sister gave him the sad news.
“My sister called me to say they had just shot him in Suburban. I am from the neighbouring area and I ran as fast as my feet could take me to see him.
“He was a hard-working person, never involved in gangsterism. Our family does not believe in any tsotsis,” Csita says.
The family is yet to arrange his funeral and a meeting still has to be held.
“When you lose someone you love, one cannot describe the feeling. We can only hope God will be with us through this time,” Csita adds.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Botsotso George Mjiwu, confirmed the incident.
STONED: Vehicle was damaged during the attack. Photo: Leon Knipe/African News Agency (ANA)
“A murder is open for investigation following a shooting incident Friday in Delft on the corners of Tallis and Spohr streets,” Mjiwu explains.
“According to reports, police responded to a shooting incident and upon arrival they found a 54-year-old man who was shot and fatally wounded. No arrests have been made yet.
“We request anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
robin.francke@inl.co.za