A routine trip turns into a nightmare after two friends were gunned down by unknown assailants in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, on Monday, 16 March.
Tsepo Mokoena (32) was on a heartfelt mission to deliver his daughter’s tablet, a gesture of love that ended in tragedy.
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Accompanying him was his close friend, Bongani Msibi (27), who joined Tsepo on this simple act of kindness, which tragically became their final journey together.
In the same incident, a woman who had gone to collect the tablet was caught in the violence.
She was shot and rushed to hospital where she’s receiving treatment for her injuries.
Instead of returning home, the two friends were ambushed and killed, leaving their families shattered and searching for answers.
Tsepo’s dad, Thulani Mokoena from Palm Ridge in Ekurhuleni, said the moment he received the call will haunt him forever.
“Family members informed me my son and his friend had been shot,” he said.
Rushing to the scene, Thulani was confronted with a sight no parent should ever endure.
“When I arrived, I found both my son and his friend lying there, lifeless. I was completely devastated,” he said.
The tragedy has left a deep wound in the family, not only bringing immense grief but also uncertainty about the future of Tsepo’s kids.
“What pains me the most is that my son leaves behind four kids,” he said.
Bongani Msibi was fatally shot by unknown assailants while sitting in his car.
Tsepo Mokoena’s journey to deliver a tablet for his daughter became a tragic final journey.
The kids, aged between five months and five years, will now grow up without their dad.
“They are still so young. They will never experience his love and guidance. As a family, we hope the killers will be arrested and face the full might of the law,” he added.
In a heartbreaking reflection, Thulani recalled Tsepo’s final words to his mum earlier that day.
“He jokingly reminded her he is her firstborn son. We never imagined those would be among his last words.”
Meanwhile, Bongani’s family in Thokoza is also struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
His cousin, Simphiwe Khumalo, said they were alerted through a phone call informing them of the shooting.
“When I arrived at the scene, I found Bongani’s body on the passenger seat, while his friend’s body was hanging by the driver’s door. It was a horrific sight,” he said.
The loss has been especially difficult for Bongani’s mum.
“She is not coping at all. This has completely broken her,” said Simphiwe.
Bongani was known as a hardworking and ambitious young man who was determined to build a better future. He ran his own cellphone repair and accessories business and took pride in his hustle.
“He believed in creating opportunities for himself,” said Khumalo.
Police spokeswoman Captain Neldah Sekgobela said it is alleged that on Monday, 16 March, two African males parked a red VW Polo outside a house on Sekese Street in Thokoza.
“One of the men had gone to visit his girlfriend when a white Nissan Almera pulled up next to their vehicle. Two males exited the Nissan Almera, approached the Polo, and opened fire, discharging multiple shots,” she said.
“The girlfriend was shot in the mid and lower body but managed to flee the scene. Both male victims were also shot, one inside the vehicle and the other outside. They succumbed to their injuries at the scene.”
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Sekgobela said no arrests have been made.
Thokoza police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Cases of murder and attempted murder have been opened, and investigations are ongoing.
