SAD: See Who Survived a Shooting at His Home, Leaving Mzansi Shock and Searching for Answers

Traditional leader Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena has survived a reported shooting at one of his royal residences in Mkhuhlu, Mpumalanga, after gunmen allegedly opened fire on the property while he and his wife were inside. The incident has prompted concern and calls for authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

The shooting reportedly occurred at approximately 22:35 on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the residence in the Malengeza section of Mkhuhlu, in the Bushbuckridge area. According to reports, Mokoena was inside his bedroom watching television when he heard a loud bang outside. He initially thought the sound might have been caused by a light bulb before realising that gunshots were being fired.

Mokoena reportedly took cover as additional shots were fired at the house. His wife was also inside the residence during the frightening incident. Fortunately, neither Mokoena nor his family members sustained physical injuries, although several windows at the property were reportedly damaged by the gunfire.

Police officers who responded to the scene discovered damage to the residence. Reports indicate that spent cartridges and bullet fragments were also found during the investigation. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of traditional leaders and their families, particularly when attacks occur at their homes.

The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has confirmed that investigations are underway. Police are investigating cases of attempted murder and malicious damage to property. At the time of reporting, the suspects had not been identified, and the motive behind the shooting remained unknown.

Mokoena, who serves as president of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), has reportedly expressed concern about the attack and called for stronger protection for traditional leaders. His position places him among prominent representatives of traditional leadership in the country.

The incident has also attracted attention from political and traditional leadership structures. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs expressed concern about the reported shooting, noting that violence against traditional leaders threatens their safety and the stability of traditional institutions.

Authorities are expected to continue gathering evidence and following leads to establish who was responsible for the shooting and why the residence was targeted. No arrests had been confirmed in the reports available at the time of writing.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Members of the public can also submit information through the MySAPS application.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the suspects and establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The fact that no one was physically injured will come as a relief to Mokoena’s family and supporters, while questions about the motive and those responsible remain unanswered.

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