KZN family devastated after road rage confrontation ends in double murder
SIBONISO Mteshane, 31, who died in hospital after he was allegedly shot by a motorist following a road rage dispute in Bangibizo, Mthwalume, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Image: SUPPLIED
A celebratory day turned tragic for a family in Bangibizo, Mthwalume, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast after two of its members were allegedly shot dead by a local man following a road-rage dispute on Saturday.
Siboniso Mteshane, 31, and his cousin, Kwanele Gumede, 33, were shot at their home by a man known to the family, who later handed himself over to the police.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident stemmed from an argument on a nearby road after the suspect allegedly struck Gumede’s niece with the side mirror of his bakkie.
The victims had just returned from Port Shepstone, where they attended an umbondo ceremony, a traditional pre-wedding ritual during which the bride’s family presents gifts to the groom’s family. They had disembarked from taxis and were walking home when the confrontation occurred.
“The argument started after Gumede asked the driver, who uses the bakkie as scholar transport, if he realised that he had hit his niece,” the family member said.
“The man swore at him and later threatened to come back and shoot him.”
Gumede reportedly dismissed the threat, not believing the motorist would carry it out.
KWANELE Gumede who was shot dead while sleeping allegedly by a local motorist following a road rage-related argument where the deceased's niece was hit by the motorist's mirror.
Image: SUPPLIED
Later that night, the family was awakened by footsteps in the yard, followed by the sound of gunshots.
“My eldest brother woke up and asked what was happening. A girl child who went out first to investigate found the two men with gunshot wounds,” the relative said.
Mteshane was found groaning in bed and bleeding, while Gumede was already motionless. Mteshane was rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Gumede died at the scene.
The family said the attack had left them traumatised, especially as it occurred shortly after a joyous family celebration.
“We are still terrified. The suspect did this knowing very well that one of our family members is a police officer,” the relative said.
“We want justice so that we can begin to heal.”
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Hibberdene SAPS is investigating two counts of murder.
“The deceased were shot in the head while sleeping in an outside building. A 31-year-old suspect handed himself over to the police along with his licensed firearm,” said Magwaza.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the suspect is a maskandi musician.