Another shooting in Mkhuhlu, near Hazyview, has left a local prophet dead and his female companion seriously wounded.

Prophet Clive Masinga (46) and the female victim were reportedly enjoying a night out when an unknown number of gunmen fired several shots at them last night, Friday, October 17.

Calcutta police were called to the scene of the shooting, which occurred at around 22:00.

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“Upon arrival, our members found a man and a woman lying in a pool of blood. An ambulance was summoned. The man was declared dead at the scene, while the female victim was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe gunshot wounds,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.

Police recovered a number of spent cartridges and a 9mm pistol at the scene. “These items were confiscated and will form part of our investigation,” Nonyane-Mpe added.

Mkhuhlu has become known as the “land of blood,” with over 30 gun-related deaths reported in the area over the past two years.

The motive for the attack is unknown, and investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made thus far.

Lowvelder can confirm that Masinga was once the chairperson of the ANC in Ward 3 and previously worked for the Mkhuhlu Local Municipality, a satellite of the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.

Masinga was arrested in May 2023 after being accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. He pleaded not guilty in the Mhala Regional Court, and the charges were later dismissed after the victim failed to appear.

SAPS urged anyone with information that might assist in tracing the shooting suspects to come forward by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111, using the MySAPS app, or visiting their nearest police station. Alternatively, Lieutenant Colonel Sikhumbuzo Ceko can be contacted on 082 922 9902.g

“The information will be treated confidentially, and informants may opt to remain anonymous,” said Nonyane-Mpe.