By Jonk wa Mashamba
Editor-In-Chief
Phineas Nkuna (39) was one of the six men who were shot in Setjwetla. While one of them was a patron , five were patrollers.
Two were shot dead when an unknown man fired on them without saying anything . Nkuna is among the three survivors.
He stated that they had just searched patrons in a local tavern during their stop-and-search operation to deal with crime in the area.
” We were going to the ‘Circle’ ( a busy corner in Setjwetla) and there was load shedding. We were done searching patrons who were drinking at Regina’s tavern and we had asked them to disperse.”
The other guy, Sbu, was the first one to come across the shooter whom he asked to search. When he was about to search him, the gunman drew a gun and began to shoot.
Sbu, one of the five patrollers got hit in the leg. “That’s when he began shooting and was shooting at everyone he saw. Unfortunately, the victims were mainly the patrollers,” said Nkuna.
Nkuna, from Mayephu, Dzumeri village in Giyani was one of the community members who joined patrol in Setjwetla.
He said he was determined to help and protect the community whether paid or not ” as long the community is safe”.
” Ever since we started with the patrols, crime such as house breaking and rape declined in this place.
” However, the murders of my fellow patrollers have left me shattered…I’m very disturbed. I nearly died.
“When he shot me and I collapsed, he thought I was dead, hence he left me and followed others because it was dark,” he said.
” While I was still on the floor in the small passage, he shot Rodney Mathonsi (32). He fell on my chest and took his last breath.
“The gunman was convinced that I was also dead because I remained silent.”
Asked if he would continue with the patrols, Nkuna said the incidents will never deter him.
” Nobody will stop us from protecting the community. We will not stop because he killed our members and we don’t know his intention.
” To my fellow patrollers, let’s persevere and press on. We should not fear this man..we will eventually have catch him.
” However, I’m requesting that the community contribute money so that we help the bereaved families,” he added.
Reborn Khubai, Nkuna’s friend, said it would be better if each house hold contributed R50 for the funerals.
” The businessmen should contribute R100 each. That will make a difference, ” said Khubai.
