Godfrey murdered
"I could see from his face that he was begging his killers for mercy," said Ms Selina Masilela, mother of Middelburg's smallest and most popular resident, Godfrey Masilela (20), who's body was found on the Hendrina off-ramp Wednesday morning 29 October.
His murder comes as a shock, as few people would ever think of harming the little man, let alone kill him.
Godfrey was born in Sehlakwane village in Limpopo, his life then began and ended in Middelburg.
Godfrey was known for being talkative and attracting large crowds of people because of his incredibly small body.
He made his mark in October 2005, when Tshwenyane Combined School visited the Middelburg Observer.
A play was held “Puma and Ma” for the school and Godfrey stole the spotlight.
“Godfrey’s interaction with Puma made the show all the more interesting,” said Middelburg Observer’s former journalist, Thokozane Magagula.
He was also known for his champagne personality.
The Middelburg Observer visited his home in Mhluzi Extension 7 on Wednesday afternoon.
His uncle, Joe Masilela, recalls when he was much younger and smaller, he used to carry him around in his jacket’s pocket.
He was at home two weeks ago and his family had no idea of his movements.
The family last heard he was in Avalon, Mhluzi, dressed in a pink suit a week ago.
“He would just phone and tell us, he is at the mall drinking,” says Ms Masilela.
When Ms Masilela was informed that the police were looking for her, she did not even think it would have anything to do with her son.
She did not believe the news of his death, until she saw the bruised lifeless body of her son.
Godfrey had a green and white rope tied around his neck. He also had chest, head, face and body scratches and broken ribs.
“He was brutally killed,” said Ms Masilela.
The post mortem results where not released by the time of print.
The police opened an inquest and are still investigating the matter.
An eyewitness saw Godfrey early on Wednesday morning, wearing a red T-shirt with Capri pants and takkies in SADC Street, the same clothes in which his family saw him in at the mortuary.
Two other people also saw him drinking at Jay’s Corner on the night of his death.
The family believe he was killed because, he saw something he shouldn’t have, or was hanging out with the wrong crowd.
The Masilela family pleads with the public to come forward with any information that can assist the police in apprehending the perpetrators.
Godfrey Masilela who was to turn 20 in December, leaves behind his Mother, three siblings and uncle.
Funeral arrangements where not confirmed by the time of print.
