Tsakani learner killed fighting for his phone
Grade 12 learner, Mpho Maaga was stabbed to death.
Langaville – Grade 12 learner Mpho Maaga from Tsakani Secondary School was stabbed to death recently after trying to fight off armed robbers lurking in an open veld used as a thoroughfare between Tsakani and Langaville.
While walking home from attending extra matric lessons, he was robbed of his cellphone by a group of alleged drug addicts preying on unsuspecting residents. On the day of the incident, Mpho was alone because he had left his friend, who was still attending another class.
The deceased’s sister, Hope Maaga, said the family grew concerned when it became late and Mpho had not returned home.
“We were later alerted by a community member about the incident, and we prayed that he was still alive and would make it.
“Unfortunately, when we arrived on the scene, he was already declared dead by paramedics,” she said.
The distraught sibling believes the suspect/s took advantage of Mpho because he was alone and tried to fight them off.
“His friend, whom he normally walks home with, remained behind to attend another class, so he had to walk home alone.
“The two survived a similar attack two months ago. The suspects took the friend’s cellphone, and the two friends managed to escape unharmed,” she added.
The open veld connecting Langaville and Tsakani is labelled as one of the more dangerous sections in the area.
Criminals hide in the long grass to rob unsuspecting residents of their valuables.
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Community leader Sonto Molotshwa said last year, pensioner Albert Mathebula was stabbed seven times in his upper body while trying to fight off the robbers and had to be admitted to ICU for weeks.
“We are demanding that members of the police and CPF patrol the area until safety is restored,” she added.
On Friday, the residents donated funds toward the clearing of the veld. The Tsakani Police Station commander, Colonel Goodall Mbatha, confirmed they are investigating a case of murder, and the perpetrators are still on the run.
“We are urging residents who might know the identity and whereabouts of the suspects to report them to the Tsakani police,” said Mbatha.
