Contralesa president survives shooting at Mkhuhlu home

Gunmen opened fire on the Mkhuhlu home of Contralesa president Kgoshi Mathupa Lameck Mokoena and his wife Magdeline yesterday.

Mokoena, who is also the chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders and Khoisan, was at home watching TV in his bedroom when he heard a cracking sound at around.

“Yes, I can confirm that at around 22:35 at one of my royal residences while watching TV in my bedroom, three gunshots were fired through the window,” Mokoena told Lowveld Media. “I thought the sound was because of a burst lightbulb, but immediately realised that it was actually the sound of gunshots as two more shots were fired,” he added.

He lay down on the floor as more shots were fired around the house.

His wife Magdeline, who was in the kitchen, came to check on him as the shooting continued from a distance while the suspects fled.

Mokoena said the shooting lasted for about five minutes, adding that no physical injuries were sustained by anyone in his family. Three bullet holes were left in the bedroom aluminium window, one in the sitting room window with a projectile stuck in a portrait, and another in the garage window. Five spent pistol cartridges were found in the yard.

“I don’t know why there was an attempt on my life and that of my family,” Mokoena said. “Unfortunately, I don’t even know who those people who tried to kill me are, and I don’t know the motive.”

He added that he did not have issues with anyone.

“I hope police will fathom the situation and have a breakthrough in this matter,” Mokoena said. “This needs to stop, or else all of us are not safe in this country.”

“The attack happened while we were demanding that government arrange protection for our kings, queens and traditional leaders in the country,” Mokoena said. “I hope government will respond swiftly.”

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident and said the police were investigating charges of attempted murder.

“Yes, we confirm,” Masondo said. “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Riot Hlatshwayo 1 minute read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Mpumalanga News in Google News and Top Stories.