BOPHELONG. – A jolly Sunday evening at a tavern in Bophelong turned into horror scene when three armed robbers stormed the tavern, robbed a family, and killed a 55-year-old man.

According to a family spokesperson, Portia Nhlapo (38) who shared the horrific story, three men entered the yard through an old unused gate before commanding the family at gunpoint to enter the house.

The men alleged to be known in the area then shot and killed Simon Mofokeng.

Speaking to Ster South at the family home, Nhlapo detailed the incident.

“We were sitting on the veranda on the other side of the house when two men pointed guns at us and told us to all move inside the house. We found my mom already held at gunpoint by another robber, demanding money,” she said.

“We told the men we didn’t have any money. My uncle tried to save the family from the harrowing incident by stabbing one of the men, who in turn shot him in the leg. I pleaded with the man and volunteered to empty all our money spots, which I did. After getting the money, the guy who shot my uncle, apologised and shot him two more times,” she said.

The robbers fled the scene on foot, leaving Mofokeng fighting for his life “What happened left us broken. We hope the police will arrest these heartless people and bring them to justice,” she said.

Since the incident, the family has been struggling with fear and anxiety.

“We are not coping at all. Everyone is jumpy. Perhaps knowing that all three suspects are behind bars will give us peace of mind,” she said.

Vanderbijlpark police spokesman, Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu said a case of Business Robbery and murder is investigated.

“The case docket has been opened and the investigation is still in the process,” he said.

Mofokeng was laid to rest on Saturday, March 23.