Family of slain Bronkhorstspruit man heartbroken over his death

The family of a man who was killed when he and his business partners were attacked by a group of gunmen in Bronkhorstspruit a week ago are still struggling to come to terms with his death.

Motheo Makau (36) affectionately known as “Mo” and his business partner Papi Mamba (32) was killed in a hail of bullets when they were attacked by five unknown assailants in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit.

The shooting took place in broad daylight in a public space, at a section called Marikana, where Makau and Mamba had met with their other business partners.

Speaking to Rekord, Mo’s cousin Vuyo Stamper said the family was still in shock over his tragic death.

“We are still in shock. It hasn’t sunk in,” Stamper said.

“It’s a huge loss, Motheo was a very important figure in our family, particularly because we have lost a lot of people in the family and Motheo’s generation was starting to become heads of the family.”

Stamper described Mo as “a creative” whose vision was to build young artists into “big shot musos”.

A lyricist, music producer and lover of the arts, Mo was the co-founder of Paper Bag multimedia a multi-discipline company that saw budding artists, designers and producers showcase and nurture their talent.

“Motheo was an outspoken person. He loved being challenged and he loved to debate,” said Stamper.

“He wanted to live up to his name, Motheo which means foundation or support. He lived his life to fulfil the promise of his name.

“He got me into music, particularly writing and he instilled in me the passion for art.”

While the motive of the killing was unknown, Stamper said his cousin and business partner were part of a grass-cutting project, which he suspected “may have ruffled a few feathers”.

He said the senseless killing of several other young businessmen that happened prior, made him think that the motive for his killing involved a business rivalry.

“When does it ever stop,” he said

In May 2019, a similar shooting shocked the town when a group of armed men attacked young business partners who had gathered at a house in Zithobeni, claiming the lives of two and leaving one seriously injured.

Months later, another man was ambushed, shot and killed while at a store in Riamar Park.

“My concern is that it seems people cannot tolerate healthy competition and are resorting to taking people’s lives. And they seem to be getting away with it which is really a shame,” said Stamper.

Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela did not provide an update on any arrests, but previously said the assailants that shot Mo and Mamba were driving a Polo.

Makau is survived by six siblings and his daughter Kutlwano.

He was laid to rest on Friday, at the Bronkhorstspruit cemetery.

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