Ladysmith family demands justice after son killed in jewellery store robbery crossfire

A Ladysmith family wants answers for the murder of their 22-year-old son, who was killed in a crossfire between security officers and armed robbers during a robbery in a jewellery store in the town's CBD last Friday.

Vusimuzi "Mandanda" Mbongwa, from eKuvukeni, Ladysmith, was shot in the head and was rushed to Ladysmith Provincial Hospital, where he later died from the stray bullet.

Mbongwa was leaving his place of work at Cash Crusaders that is close to the Oval Centre branch of American Swiss that was being robbed. The robbers managed to get away with some of their loot.

Mbongwa's brother, Thulasizwe Hlatshwayo, said the incident has devastated them.

In a Facebook comment reacting to a local news site's post on the incident, Hlatshwayo wrote:

"We, the family of Vusi, are heartbroken and devastated to confirm his tragic passing on Friday. Vusi was senselessly taken from us, and the loss we feel is impossible to put into words. Vusi was a beloved brother, a cherished son, and a dear friend to so many in this community. 

"We know he was well known to you all, and the outpouring of comfort and support we've received already truly means the world to our family. We are profoundly grateful for every message, visit, and prayer.

At this time, we are facing an unimaginably difficult period of grief and disbelief. We still struggle to accept that Vusi has fallen and is no longer with us.

"We respectfully ask the community to bear with us and grant our family privacy as we try to navigate this painful time, make necessary arrangements, and cope with this immense loss. We thank you again for holding Vusi and our family in your thoughts."

Hlatshwayo said they want answers about the circumstances under which his younger brother died. He said there should be consequences for his death.

"This has really disturbed us as a family. We believe someone needs to be punished for this, and we won't remain quiet and fold our arms," said Hlatshwayo.

He said what hurts the family the most is that Mbongwa was very young. Hlatshwayo said the deceased lost his mother when he was a few months old, and they have never known his biological father.

He described Mbongwa as a quiet boy. Mbongwa's funeral service will be held on Friday at eKuvukeni Hall, in Ladysmith. Attempts to get comment from SAPS were unsuccessful.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE