Perps in 013 Summer Blaze shooting in Mbombela still on the loose

The Mashabane family of Mangweni is shattered and seek justice for their son, Austin Snethemba Mashabane (24), who was fatally shot in an armed robbery at the 013 Summer Blaze at the Mbombela Stadium in the early hours of Sunday, December 1.

Austin’s father, Thulani, said he appreciates the police’s efforts so far and hopes that justice will prevail for Austin. “We trust that the men who killed our child will be found and arrested. There isn’t much information we have received from the police, but we are giving them time to investigate so that they can find these men,” he said.

The Nelspruit SAPS’ Captain Zandile Gqawa said there are no arrests on the murder case yet. “However, we are following some leads,” Gqawa said.

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Previously, a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the Nelspruit SAPS were called to the scene shortly after the attack at about 01:21.

“When the officers arrived, they found a woman who told them that her friend had been shot by two armed men. The robbers had taken Austin’s cellphone and the woman’s handbag, and in the process, the male victim was shot. When the paramedics arrived on the scene, they declared him dead,” said Mdhluli.

He said the police are investigating cases of armed robbery and murder. “We are calling upon anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the My SAPS app. Any information received will be treated with confidentiality,” said Mdhluli.

Austin was described as a friendly people’s person. “He grew up in church and enjoyed participating in its programmes. We have a taxi here at home and he drove it around to transport people to and from church, and enjoyed every moment of it,” Thulani said.
His funeral took place on Sunday, December 8.

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In a separate incident, Lowvelder Express received reports that a woman had been raped at the 013 Summer Blaze. Mdhluli confirmed this, however, the woman opted to not open a case with the police.

“At the hospital, she was referred to GRIP and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit also attended to her. She refused to open a case. She also refused to be examined by the doctor. They only managed to convince her to take medication for the prevention of STIs,” Mdhluli said.

The 013 Summer Blaze was attended by many, and during its marketing prior the event, its organisers said they had anticipated 40 000 people to be at the event.