SA: Three Mozambicans dead and one seriously injured in Soweto, Johannesburg

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SA: Three Mozambicans dead and one seriously injured in Soweto, Johannesburg

1:53 CAT | 10 Oct 2016

A map showing Soweto in Johannesburg, South Africa

Three Mozambicans were killed and another seriously injured in the early hours of Wednesday 4 October when a homemade bomb was thrown into the room where they were sleeping in Soweto, South Africa.

The victims were Antonio Muchanga, Carlitos Mbendzane and Paulina Vilanculos, the last two husband and wife, according to Mozambique Television (TVM). The surviving victim is in a serious condition and in intensive care at a hospital in South Africa.

The attack took place at 2809 Ndhlamine Street in the west of Johannesburg near the Maroca police station, and generated shock and anger among residents.

The victims were asleep after Paulina’s birthday party. Carlitos was died at the scene and his wife in hospital, in the presence of a neighbour who called the family in Maputo to report the event, journalist Simão Ponguane told TVM.

Witnesses told the journalist that the alleged perpetrator is a known drug addict who stoned his father to death and for he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, of which he served eight. The man, Mpondu, the owner of the house where the tragedy occurred, is said by his maternal aunt to be constantly be under the influence of a drug called nhaupe, and confirmed to be a dangerous person.

Mpondu reportedly thought his tenants were having relations with his girlfriend, who, according to witnesses, rarely communicated with them and didn’t even live with him in his home.

The alleged murderer further alleged that his tenants not only took him for a fool, but also laughed at him and even offered his partner to other men, for which he vowed revenge. He is now in police custody.

A community leader where the tragedy happened said that Mpondu did not get along with his neighbours and was generally feared. Just days before, he had been involved in a fracas for accepting money from third parties to live in a house that was already occupied.

South Africa suffers high crime rates, with police acknowledging that at least 50 people die in crime-related circumstances every day.

Source: A Verdade