Families struggle to repatriate bodies of mass shooting victims in Eastern Cape

The family of 28-year-old Maphelo Msuthu, one of seven men killed in a mass shooting in Philippi East, say they along with three other families from the same village are struggling to repatriate the bodies to Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape due to financial challenges. 

The seven men, aged between 20 and 30, were shot and killed in Road 53, Better Life, Philippi East, on Friday night.

Detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have been assigned to the case. No arrests have been made yet.

Mzo Msuthu, Maphelo’s uncle, said the family were currently waiting for a post-mortem update from police. 

“We are waiting for an update in terms of the forensics. We are also having challenges in terms of bringing his body back to the Eastern Cape. His mother doesn't have insurance," Mzo said. 

He added that Maphelo was selling insurance in malls around Cape Town with three other young men who are from the same village. 

“They were moving around, going to places selling insurance in different malls. He was only there for three weeks. He stayed in Khayelitsha before he moved to Philippi."

A day before the incident, he said his nephew sent him a message to check in, and he was fine. 

“I was shocked when I got the news because I just heard from him on Thursday, and he sent me a WhatsApp voice message checking on me. Somebody got one of the family members' numbers, phoned one of the family, that's how we got the message. We were seeing it on social media, not knowing Maphelo was part of the deceased.”

The uncle said the motive behind Maphelo's murder was unclear. 

“He was a quiet boy, I have known him since he was born. He wanted to study electrical engineering, and he also wanted to have a driver's license.”

He said their biggest challenge now was returning the bodies to the Eastern Cape. 

“It is not only him, from our area, it's about four boys from our area in Flagstaff, we know their families as well. His mother is very stressed, she is battling with arrangements because it is over 1000km. The funeral parlour gave us a combo of R15 000 to take all four bodies.” 

DA MPL Benedicta Van Minnen said the incident appeared to be a “gang-related execution”. 

“Philippi East is crippled, with 51 detectives, each carrying 65 cases, and a detection rate of 66.25%, backed by a mere 178 SAPS members. How can communities stand a chance against organised crime, gangsterism, and drug violence when their police stations are understaffed, under-resourced, and overwhelmed?” she asked.

Donations can be sent to his Maphelo's sister, Thandeka Mzonsi via Capitec, account number 1724989497. 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or with information that can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application. 

Cape Times