This comes in the light of the recent heartless incident that occurred in Rietspruit, near Ga-Nala (Kriel) on Saturday, January 18, where three lives were lost and three people left with injuries.
The police has uncovered that this gruesome act took place after a 29 year old woman, Ms Bongi Masango, went to eMalahleni and on her way back home, she called her friend Ms Zanele Dube (29), to collect her from a hiking spot. Dube arrived accompanied by a 49 year old man, Mr Pat Ngwenya, who offered her a lift home.
It is alleged that as soon as they arrived in Rietspruit, they noticed a vehicle belonging to Masango’s husband, Mr Vusi Pako (31) parked alongside the road and stopped to allow Masango to join him.
It is alleged that Pako approached the vehicle in which his wife was and fired several shots, severely injuring Ngwenya, however he managed to speed off. Ngwenya was taken to a local clinic, but unfortunately died as a result of his injuries.
Pako then went to Masango’s parents’ home where he fatally shot Mr Thomas Masango (63), her father and injured three other victims, Ms Elsie Masango (60) her mother, Ms Winnie Masango (27) her sister, as well as Mr Sibusiso Thela (28), their neighbour. The injured were taken to the nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The incident was reported to the police and they launched a manhunt for Pako. Kriel Police found his vehicle around Ga-Nala left abandoned, but he was found the following day on Sunday, January 19, suspected to have shot himself.
Police are investigating a double murder, three attempted murder cases and an inquest docket.
Management urges the community members, together with their families, to utilize available government structures, Non Governmental Organisation (NGO’s) and other professional assistance when they are confronted with an unbearable load.
