A routine trip to deliver a tablet turned into a nightmare for Tsepo Mokoena and Bongani Msibi, two friends whose lives were brutally cut short in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, on Monday, 16 March. Tsepo, 32, was on a heartfelt mission to deliver the tablet to his daughter, a gesture of love that ended in tragedy.
His friend Bongani, 27, joined him on this simple act of kindness, which tragically became their final journey together.The incident occurred when a white Nissan Almera pulled up next to their red VW Polo on Sekese Street in Thokoza.
Two males exited the Nissan Almera and opened fire, discharging multiple shots. Tsepo and Bongani were killed, while a woman who had gone to collect the tablet was caught in the violence and is now receiving treatment for her injuries in hospital.
Tsepo’s dad, Thulani Mokoena, is still reeling from the news. “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.”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,” Thulani said.
The kids, aged between five months and five years, will now grow up without their dad’s love and guidance.Bongani’s family 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.”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.The loss has been especially difficult for Bongani’s mum. “She is not coping at all.
This has completely broken her,” said Simphiwe.Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Captain Neldah Sekgobela said no arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
Cases of murder and attempted murder have been opened.As the community grapples with the senseless violence, the families of Tsepo and Bongani are left to pick up the pieces.
“We hope the killers will be arrested and face the full might of the law,” Thulani said. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for justice to be served.