Fofo Makua (58), the owner of Foto Security, one of the town’s largest security firms, was seriously attacked last night in Mhluzi, Middelburg, by three men, allegedly from a rival security group.

According to reliable sources, the attack occurred at 22:00.

Makua was at the BP garage in Mhluzi on Dr Mandela Drive when he was approached by several men.

The men allegedly insulted him. He contacted one of his guards and informed him of the incident. He then reportedly drove off towards eMhluzi Mall from the filling station, where he was followed by the men.

The men reportedly overtook him and blocked the road with their three vehicles. A security guard from Foto Security also arrived at the scene.

Both groups then engaged in an altercation, and residents in the area reported hearing gunshots coming from the scene.

According to eyewitnesses, one of the attackers tried to run Makua over. Fortunately, one of the company’s guards saw the oncoming bakkie and pushed him out of the street. The bakkie lost control and crashed into a back room in a yard. The occupant was not inside the room at the time.

@middelburgobserver Bakkie crashes into back room in Mhluzi after attack on prominent business owner. #middelburgobserver ♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver

The attackers then assaulted Makua and his employees. Makua was allegedly attacked with a panga and sustained serious head injuries.

Some of the attackers were also injured during the altercation. They fled the scene.

Makua in hospital

This morning the Middelburg Observer contacted Makua, and an unidentified man answered, confirming that Makua is in hospital in critical condition. The man said Makua lost a significant amount of blood and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said the Mhluzi police arrived nearly four hours after the incident, and the police allegedly called the owner of the crashed bakkie to tow it away.

Residents are questioning how the Mhluzi police handled the incident, as visible bullet casings and blood were found at the scene.

When Middelburg Observer informed the police of the allegations, they responded by asking the public to come forward with more information to support the claims.

The owner of the bakkie is known to the newspaper, but he cannot be named as the matter is still under investigation.

No arrests have been made yet.

No case opened yet

A reporter tried to contact the owner of the alleged rival security firm numerous times, but their phone was switched off.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli states: “I can confirm that there is a man currently in hospital after allegations that he was attacked in Mhluzi. However, a case has not yet been opened. Circumstances surrounding the incident will be provided as soon as the man gives details.”

The Mhluzi police are waiting for Makua to provide information before opening a case.

• The Middelburg Observer also contacted Foto Security today to enquire about the incident and was informed that the relevant people who could comment were not available. When the newspaper requested the relevant contact details, the receptionist declined to divulge them.