The second victim in the N4 shootings on Sunday, October 20, has been identified as 23-year-old Busisiwe Khumalo.
She worked as an intern in Mbombela and will be laid to rest in Mayflower on Sunday, October 27. Her body was found in a stationary BMW next to the N4 shortly before 09:00 on Sunday, alongside the body of Ayanda Maphalala Ngobeni.
They were both riddled with bullets, in an incident that can only be described as senseless and brutal.
According to Lowvelder’s sister publication, Middelburg Observer, the two women were travelling back to Mbombela following a Rebel Troops Bike Rally in eMalahleni.
Ngobeni was a member of Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club and served as the marketing director of the Liver Brothers Football Club, but was best known for her role as deputy secretary of City of Mbombela Marathon Club.
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Both Ngobeni and Khumalo died of multiple gunshots wounds and was declared dead on the scene.
A memorial service for Ngobeni will be held at the Church on the Hill at 13:00 today, October 25. It is believed that a contingent of motorcycles will be at the service to pay tribute. Her funeral will be held in Mbombela at 07:00 tomorrow.
While very little is known about the circumstances surrounding the killings, the provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the SAPS were called to the N4 near Middelburg shortly before 09:00 on Sunday. On arrival, they found a white BMW without number plates. The plates were, however, later discovered near the scene. “This is one of the areas that will form part of the investigation. There were bullet holes in the vehicle. It was parked on the side of the road and the hazard lights were on. Inside, the police found the two women with multiple gunshot wounds. The SAPS is investigating two counts of murder and at this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with this case,” Mdhluli confirmed.
It is believed that the driver of the vehicle, whose identity is unknown at this stage, escaped unscathed.
Ngobeni’s family urged the public in a statement not to spread false information and speculative accusations. “These unverified reports only serve to add to our pain and hinder the dignity with which Ayanda deserves to be remembered. We kindly ask that the public and media refrain from making unfounded statements and allow the relevant authorities to conduct their investigations thoroughly and without interference. We trust that justice will prevail.”
With this said, we would like to urge the community not to interfere with the investigation and let the police do their work and allow the law to take its course.
Her sister, Ziningi Nkuna, said the family are shattered about her death and how she was killed. She said her sister played a big role in their lives and in those of the people around her. “She was a nice person and she got along well with everyone. This is why it is not easy for us.”
She appealed to anyone who might know what transpired to help the family by informing the police. “With this said, we would like to urge the community not to interfere with the investigation and let the police do their work and allow the law to take its course.”
Nkuna added that the family appreciated the messages and support they are receiving from the community. “We will let everyone know in due time when the memorial service and funeral will be held,” she said.
Ngobeni was one of the founding members of the City of Mbombela Marathon Club and served on the executive committee.
We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Maphalala and Ngobeni families. She was a pillar and heartbeat of the club.
The club released a statement on Monday, October 21, saying she was their heartbeat and that she always made sure everyone was well fed during all their events. “The club is shattered about this sad development.”
Thulani Mkhabela, the club’s chairperson, said the club and the road running community were devastated by this senseless tragedy. “We believe the authorities will do everything in their power to have the culprits apprehended soon. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Maphalala and Ngobeni families. She was a pillar and heartbeat of the club.”
Mdhluli said anyone with any information should contact the SAPS on 08600 10111 or send information on the My SAPS App. “The assigned investigation experts have already begun the spadework.”
Lowvelder will be attending the memorial service today, and will update readers on its Facebook page and website.
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Mpumalanga News
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