Family mourns son killed in mob justice attack
The Ramaphosa community was left reeling after Qhamani Makumsha was beaten to death by a mob that mistook him for a thief.
The family of 24-year-old Qhamani Makumsha from the Ramaphosa informal settlement is devastated after he was brutally killed in what they believe was a case of mistaken identity and mob justice.
According to his stepfather, Thomas Nohali, Qhamani was asleep at home when two men stormed into the house and forcefully woke him up, accusing him of being someone they were looking for in connection with an alleged theft.
“They dragged him out of bed and forced him to leave with them. When they didn’t get the answers they wanted, they started beating him and accusing him of hiding the truth.
“The situation quickly escalated when more community members joined in despite there being no evidence to support the claims.
“That’s when the mob took over and started beating him. They didn’t stop. They beat him to death. We are shattered because Qhamani was a peaceful, music-loving young man. He was not involved in any criminal activity. He did not deserve this.”
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Qhamani was laid to rest on August 2. His death has deeply scarred his family, friends and community.
A close family friend, who asked not to be named, described him as a respectful and quiet person.
“He had no enemies. He mostly kept to himself. What happened to him was completely unfair,” the friend said.
Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga confirmed that a murder case is open and the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“No arrests have been made yet. We urge community members not to take the law into their own hands. If someone is suspected of a crime, they must report it to the police. Vigilantism cannot be tolerated.”
The Makumsha family is pleading for justice and is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
“We just want the truth. We want those responsible to be held accountable.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Reiger Park Police Station on 010 499 4616, Crime Stop on 071 675 8444 or the toll-free hotline 08600 10111.
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