Residents of Mohapi Location, Ward 13, are reeling in shock after a 76-year-old woman was brutally murdered on Wednesday night. The victim, known affectionately in the community as Gogo, was gunned down by unknown assailants who then set fire to the rondavel she lived in, burning her beyond recognition.
A two-year-old child who was with her during the attack was rescued from the burning house by a neighbour but tragically died on the way to hospital.
Ward Councillor Makopano Shale confirmed the incident, describing it as a devastating blow to the community.
An eyewitness, who narrowly escaped the attack, recalled being outside the house around 8 p.m. to answer a phone call due to poor network reception inside. “While I was on the call, I saw four men wearing blankets heading straight to Gogo’s rondavel. One of them came towards me, and I ran into another house. He tried to force the door open and, when he failed, fired a shot before leaving. Moments later, we heard three gunshots from Gogo’s rondavel. Soon after, someone shouted that her home was on fire.”
Neighbours rushed to assist, with one man risking his life to enter the burning rondavel. He managed to bring out the child, but sadly the toddler succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital.
Police arrived at the scene to find the elderly woman’s body burned beyond recognition. An empty pistol cartridge was recovered from the other room, though it is unclear if any were found in the rondavel where Gogo was killed. Law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The Matatiele Local Municipality, together with social workers, has since visited the family to assess the damage and offer condolences.
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