Sisters demand justice
The victim’s sisters, Zinzi and Ntombifuthi Lukhelo, recall the events surrounding their brother’s shooting in an emotionally charged statement.
While the residents of Newcastle prepared themselves for a quiet weekend last Friday, Jabulani Lukhelo stared death in the face after being confronted by four armed suspects at around 6pm.
The victim’s sisters, Zinzi and Ntombifuthi Lukhelo, recall the events surrounding their brother’s shooting in an emotionally charged statement.
It is alleged the victim was approached by four armed suspects shortly after he exited a taxi near his home at Blaauwbosch, oSizweni. Apparently, the suspects attempted to rob Mr Lukhelo of his cellphone and wallet. When he resisted, one of the suspects allegedly put a gun to his head.
In an attempt to flee from the suspects, Mr Lukhelo was allegedly shot in the torso, with the bullet exiting his back.
“I made numerous calls to the government ambulance service that went unanswered for more than two hours,” claimed Ms Zinzi Lukhelo. “My sister started a fire to keep our brother warm while we sat waiting for help that would never come.”
In a desperate attempt, she contacted Newcastle SAPS and was allegedly told no vehicles were available at the time.
Captain Shooz Magudulela responded on Tuesday, saying: “I have sent the information to the relevant departments and will receive feedback tomorrow morning. When a shooting is reported, the incident becomes priority. We work with a voice recording and logging system. If the victim’s sister did in fact contact the SAPS, the recording will be readily available to us. The complaint will be attended to promptly after which feedback will be given to the parties concerned.”
The Lukhelo sisters eventually approached a resident nearby who agreed to take Mr Lukhelo to the hospital at a cost of R250.
“In the event of an emergency, we are obligated to respond to every call. The cost of a private ambulance varies depending on the level of care needed, but could cost the patient anywhere from R1 000 to R4 000,” said a local paramedic.
The Lukhelo sisters are grateful to the hospital for taking such good care of their brother. However, Ms Lukhelo has strong words for the SAPS and the ambulance service. “I am disgusted. My brother could have died and what would have become of his three children?” she asked.
The Lukhelo family are hoping for an apology from the alleged guilty parties. They pray the suspects will be apprehended in due course. “Justice will prevail and the suspects will face the music,” Ms Zinzi Lukhelo concluded.
No comment was available from the Department of Health at the time of publication.
