Tinyiko (7) and Mpfumo Mashaba (4) who were brutally murdered in their shack in June 2024.
A HAUNTING sound of gunfire, screams, and smoke still resonates in the minds of the Soshanguve community, where Tinyiko (7) and Mpfumo Mashaba (4) were brutally murdered in their shack.
The incident happened at Changing Spot informal settlement, Soshanguve Extension 6, Tshwane, in June 2024.
The siblings’ mum, Itumeleng Mashaba, relives the horror every day, with memories of that fateful night forever etched in her mind.
Itumeleng recounts the tragic events, from hearing the attacker’s heartless words: “You are going to die because your father loves money,” to witnessing the shack being set alight, and her children’s lives tragically lost.
Her own narrow escape from the attacker’s clutches adds to the trauma. Itumeleng described how she and her partner, Louis, had gone out briefly, leaving their kids in the shack. Upon returning home, she heard someone at the gate.
“He kicked the gate, and I heard him kicking the door. Then I heard him asking the kids where their parents were and asking where Louis [the deceased siblings’ father] was. The older one responded, ‘My mom is not around,’ and I would be coming back soon. I was listening at the back of the shack.”
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Itumeleng recounted how the attacker allegedly chased her. Although he caught up, she eventually managed to escape.
“He further threatened me that it would not end well. I fled, and when I saw smoke coming from my home, I knew my children were gone. I still hear those screams,” she claimed.
Grandfather Class Mashaba expressed relief upon the suspect’s arrest and said: “We are just hoping for justice to be served. We heard rumours of the arrest about two weeks ago, but we were not sure. Now that the police have confirmed, we are glad that the suspect was finally caught.
In a significant breakthrough, police arrested a suspect in connection with the murder.
Gauteng police spokespman Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was wanted for the murder case.
“The suspect was allegedly shot by the victim after he attempted to hijack him on Friday, February 7, in Cullinan. He was then arrested and taken to the hospital under police guard,” said Masondo.
He said police discovered that the suspect was also wanted for the murder case.
“He was set to be taken to court as soon as he recovered. Now that he’s revived, the matter will be heard at the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 March,” said Masondo.
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