Cabhane shooting leaves two pupils dead, one critical

The news of two horrific murders and one attempted murder in their midst shocked the Cabhane community last Friday. The victims, Nokuthula Gumede (17) and Mlondi Khumalo (19) had been fatally shot, while their friend (22) was seriously wounded.

The dead pupils, from Khathi High near Mtwalume, were found lying in a pool of blood, while the surviving pupil had apparently hidden in the bush. For both the Gumede and Khumalo families, the day began like any other but ended in tragedy. Families who had expected their children to return home after school had not for a second thought they would be grieving. The heartbroken Gumede family said their daughter had had hopes of becoming a social worker one day and that no parents should have to bury their child.

It is believed the three pupils had been walking home when Nokuthula received a call asking for her whereabouts. Shortly afterwards, it is understood that a car had pulled over and the driver had offered them a lift home. The unsuspecting pupils are thought to have got into the vehicle but, instead of taking them home, the driver had reportedly taken them to the bush in Cabhane, where he  shot them. Port Shepstone police spokesman Captain Petros Mpinge confirmed that two pupils died at the scene while the other was taken to hospital.

Fellow pupils said men would often show up at the school demanding to speak to Nokuthula but she would refuse. This was also confirmed by teachers at the school. “We don’t know what they wanted from her but you could tell she feared them,” one pupil said.

Both Nokuthula and Mlondi were described by their teachers as pupils who had a bright future and such who never missed school without good reason. Mlondi, popularly known as ‘Mbasha’, was a grade 11 pupil who enjoyed dancing and sharing jokes. “He was always full of fun, he enjoyed ‘gqom’ music, he mastered the ‘vosho dance’ and was very charming,” his friend said.

A memorial service for the pupils was held yesterday (Wednesday) at the Roman Catholic Church near the school; funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
Umzumbe municipal spokesman, Sabelo Ncwane, said on behalf of the municipality they had been very shocked by this inhumane act and urged community members with information to contact the police.
“We plead with communities to keep in mind that problems cannot be solved by violence; the level of crime needs to come to an end,” said Mr Ncwane.
Hibberdene police have opened two cases of murder and another of attempted murder.
A man from Mthwalume has been arrested in connection with the case; he appeared at the Turton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 3.
He has been remanded in custody until September 10 for a bail application.