Police calls on locals to take a stand against crime after conductor’s brutal murder

Mamelodi residents have been urged to blow the whistle on wrongdoing to ensure law enforcement agencies have information to put criminals behind bars.

This follows the brutal killing of bus conductor and school administrator Itumeleng (Itu) Mathibe of Refentse in Mamelodi on Monday morning.

The call by Sanco Mamelodi’s interim coordinating committee was made to Mathibe’s family, colleagues and the community at large.

Mathibe was shot in Mamelodi west Section D1 not far from his home.

“We are still disappointed that a promising life of a god-fearing person and preacher was taken in a gruesome manner,” said Kosabo Dube of Sanco.

“We were awakened by a call that our colleague was shot on his way to fetch a bus to collect learners from the far east of Mamelodi.

“At the time of his death, the school was going through some difficulties after locals expelled the principal.”

The motive for the murder is not yet known and police are investigating.

“Due to this development, the intended meeting of the SGB and Mamelodi school principal on September 21 is put on hold until further notice,” said Dube.

He said Sanco condemns this heartless, gruesome and heinous act. “We call for the community to please come forward and report any information gathered on the street, indoors and everywhere to the police.

“As Sanco, we call for calm and give the arm of law a chance as it goes through details to find the culprits and all those who are involved, directly and indirectly.

Mathibe’s aunt Rosina Johanna Monareng (69) said the person who shot and killed him clearly did not know him.

She said he won’t hurt a fly, was a joyful person and was loved by everyone at church, school and the people who hung around him.

Monareng recalls receiving a call that Mathibe had been shot and killed by unknown people driving a white bakkie.

“The information we received is that the person who shot him took him pictures of him lying dead in a pool of blood.”

She said the person who shot him had been sent to kill him, because they took nothing from him. His laptop, cellphone and lunchbox was still there next to him.

However, the family suspect the shooting might have something to do with the school’s issues.

“Mathibe had dreams too in life, he wanted to become a preacher and many people at church know him by his preaching and singing,” said Monareng.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the police were called to a shooting incident in Mamelodi West.

Upon arrival, they found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.

“Allegedly, the victim was on his way to work when he got shot by the unknown suspect(s),” said Nevhuhulwi.

“The circumstances that led to the shooting are unknown at this stage,” he said.

No arrest has been made yet.

Gauteng education spokesperson Steve Mabona said his department is regrettably aware of the passing of a Refentse primary school bus conductor on September 18, who unfortunately was gunned down outside the school.

He said it must be noted the deceased was only appointed on a fixed-term contract as bus conductor from October 11 2022 to September 30, and not as an admin clerk, as purported.

Mabona said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

“We will allow them the necessary space to do their work,” he said.

“We would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and the school community at large during this difficult period,” he said.

“Accordingly, our psycho-social support team was dispatched to the school to provide the necessary support.

“The department can confirm that investigations into the national school nutrition programme challenges and governance matters at the school are at an advanced stage, and as such, we will not be in a position to comment further.”

He said the outcome would be communicated in due course.

Mabona said the principal is currently reporting for duty at the district office, pending the finalisation of processes underway.

Mathibe’s memorial service will be held at the United Reformed church in Mamelodi West section C3 on Thursday at 17:00.

The date of the funeral is yet to be announced.

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