BOPHELONG – Chaos erupted in Bophelong after a prominent community leader, Thabiso Maphike (52) was shot on Tuesday afternoon, January 9.
Maphike was at the business hub where he operates his businesses when two alleged hitmen dressed in hoodies stormed his office and opened fire before fleeing the scene with his cell phone.
Following the shooting, the furious community charged with rage took to the streets, removing makeshift vendor stalls belonging to foreign nationals.
Continuing with the spirit of ‘revenge’, a popular foreign national shop ‘Big 11’ among many other small shops was looted and set alight.
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Police responded to the developing scenes of the havoc wreaked by angry residents after attending to the scene of crime where Maphike was found in the presence of medics before being transported to a local hospital.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, a 34-year-old male who refused to be named fearing for his life said he heard gunshots before seeing men exiting the hub.
“After hearing gunshots, I saw two men entering a silver Opel Corsa vehicle with guns in their hands,” he said.
In a voice note heard by Ster, Maphike pleaded with residents to call an ambulance as he was shot.
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“Bafwethu, they shot me. There are people who arrive here at the business hub and shoot me, please come to the business hub. If you can call the ambulance, please do so, I’ve been shot,” pleaded Maphike with his breath deepened by the gunshot wounds.
In recent months, the residents of Bophelong were up in arms with foreign national shop owners calling for their removal in the name of ‘reclaiming the economy’.
Back-and-forth meetings were held between the residents and shop owners comprising law enforcement agencies in an attempt to find a resolute working ground.
On the last meeting which was held at Vanderbijlpark police station, a decision to remove foreigners was reached and they packed and left.
Since then, the community has been left divided as many applauded the team of leaders and others calling for the return of foreign nationals.
A Facebook group called Bophelong Movhango Service Delivery went abuzz with opinions from residents proving division.
Sedibeng Cluster Police spokesman Captain Teboho said “A case of attempted murder and theft was registered with the Police. The suspects are still at large and are unknown. The motive is unknown. Later reports suggest the victim is stable but critical”.
Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Lemba has condemned the shooting in the strongest term and urged anyone who might have information that will help police to bring the perpetrators to book to contact the nearest police station or dial the police helpline 08600 10111.
