The case against the murder accused, Kenosi Mashengete, was postponed in the Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court to Tuesday, January 16. Mashengete is accused of stabbing Kevin Shingange to death on December 7. The murder has left the communities of Nkowankowa and the surrounding areas devasted. According to the Shingange family’s version of events, Mashengete entered the Jones Tavern in Nkowankowa, also known as Van R. They claim he proceeded to break beer bottles and opened the cash till, throwing money around.

“Patrons tried to keep the order, but he was allegedly hysterical until the business owner went to the police station demanding the police should come to maintain order. When the police arrived, Mashengete was locked in a room. He was taken out of the room and he somehow stabbed my younger brother in the chest and the neck, after he tried to stop Mashengete from attacking a man who was working at the store. Police shot a warning shot in the air and then they shot Mashengete in his leg,” explained Elizabeth, Shingange’s sister.

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The owner of the tavern rushed Shingange to a nearby clinic, where they were advised to take him to Letaba Hospital because an ambulance might take too long to arrive. Mashange was also taken to Letaba Hospital, by police, and he was treated under surveillance. Shingange lost his life as medical practitioners tried to save his life in hospital. Mashengete said in court he could only afford bail of R1 500, and he wants to go home to take care of his mother who is not well.

Elizabeth said the family has been deeply hurt by the incident and wants him to remain behind bars and not get bail. “How does he manage to afford a private lawyer, but only affords R1500 bail? We feel disrespected as a family,” she asked. She concluded by stating that the family is still in need of professional counselling, and asked those who witnessed the incident to report it to the police.