What was meant to be a week of celebration turned into heartbreak on Monday night when Khethukuthula “Kataliya” Duma (31) was fatally shot while playing pool at a tuck shop in Dambula, Caluza, just days before his wedding.
Duma, from Harewood in Pietermaritzburg, was reportedly attacked by two unknown men who entered the shelter where he was playing and opened fire.
It is believed that he tried to flee but collapsed on the road. He was due to get married on Wednesday.
Duma was the chairperson and player of the Continental Hub Football Club, which competes in the uMgungundlovu Hollywood Bets Regional League.
He also owned a security company and two taxis operating under the Caluza Taxi Association.
Speaking to The Witness on Tuesday, his grieving father, Thamsanqa “Tama” Duma, said the tragedy has left a huge void in his heart.
A week of celebration has turned into misery. This is my firstborn, whom I’ve been with since he was born. Around 6pm on Monday, he came to me and we had a conversation, then he left. At around 7.10pm, we called him to confirm a trip to Durban to fetch the wedding suits.
“By 8.30pm, I got a call about the shooting,” he said.
Thamsanqa rushed to the scene and found his son’s lifeless body.
“I’ve never experienced such trauma before. Seeing your child killed, as if he were a dog, is unimaginable. He was shot multiple times. I don’t know who could have done this. He had no known enemies. We’re waiting for the police to give us feedback.”
He added, “Right now, my focus is on giving my son a dignified send-off. I will leave the rest to the police. Maybe one day they will tell me who did this. He was a respectful person who loved jokes and valued people.”
Duma’s father said his son’s passion for football began at a young age.
“When he was three years old, I used to take him to watch games played by Ashdown Young Bucks, where I was a player. His grandfather owned the Siyamu Continental Football team.”
“After his grandfather’s passing, he decided to revive his legacy by transforming the team into the Continental Hub Football Club,” said Thamsanqa.
This season marked his second year leading the team.
He was passionate about youth development and created many opportunities for those close to him.
“We are devastated by this loss,” he said.
Duma had planned to celebrate his wedding by playing a game with his team this weekend. Instead, his family now faces the heartbreaking task of cancelling plans and organising his funeral, which will be held on Saturday.
Ward councillor Siphiwe Phungula expressed the community’s shock over the incident.
“No one has the right to take another’s life. We hope the police will conduct a thorough investigation and find those responsible,” said Phungula.
uMgungundlovu SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala confirmed the shooting and said, “No one has been arrested yet. Police are investigating a murder case.”
