Murder of councillor, mother shocks community

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – The community of Maluti-a-Phofung has been left reeling in shock after the brutal murder of Councillor Moshe Lefuma (40) and his mother, Dinah Lefuma (61), who were gunned down in their home in Bluegumbosch’s Snake Park section on the morning of November 23 2024.

Sharing his shock and disbelief Maluti-a-Phofung chief whip Moeketsi Lebesa said a hero has fallen and that his death is a big loss to the community.

“The pain of losing you courses through my veins. I am numb with pain. I have no more tears to shed. My soul is parched with grief and thirsts for the healing balm of God’s grace,” Lebesa said.

Echoing his sentiments, Alison Oates who was close to Lefuma in the council as they are both members of Democratic Alliance (DA), under whose banner Moshe served as a councillor, has expressed profound sadness and shock at the loss of a dedicated leader and his mother.

“Moshe was an exceptional orator, and a leader who was making a great political difference in improving lives of people of Map. He was outgoing and had a great sense of humour. His mother was the quiet, responsible Christian woman on whom the foundations of community is built. My heart breaks for their family and the wider community. Moshe had three children. It is absolutely terrible how cheap human life is in South Africa.

In Moshe’s name and his style, we must renew our efforts to make South Africa a better place.”

In a statement, DA constituency head for Maluti-a-Phofung, Jafta Mokoena, described Moshe Lefuma as a beacon of hope and an influential political figure in the region.”

Councillor Lefuma joined the DA in 2015 and became a staff member in 2017. He was elected to serve in the Maluti-a-Phofung council in 2021 and worked tirelessly for positive change. His commitment to uplifting his community was unwavering, and his kindness, generosity, and gentleness touched the lives of many,” Mokoena said.

Dinah Lefuma was remembered as a devoted mother who supported her son’s political career. The DA also extended condolences to the Lefuma family and pledged to pursue justice for the senseless killing.

The motive for the murders remains unclear. The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief from the community of Maluti-a-Phofung, where Lefuma was a well-loved leader.

Community members are encouraged to come forward with any information that might help solve the case, as the region mourns the loss of a councillor who dedicated his life to making a difference.

According to a media statement issued by the Free State Provincial Commissioner’s Office, the Phuthaditjhaba police were called to the scene at around 09:45. It is alleged that two armed men entered the Lefuma home, asking for Moshe. After Dinah questioned their intentions, they forced their way into Moshe’s bedroom. Moments later, gunshots were heard, and Moshe’s younger brother fled the house.

“Police arrived to find both Moshe and Dinah fatally wounded with gunshot injuries to their heads. Emergency Medical Services declared them dead on the scene. The suspects fled on foot, and police are investigating two cases of murder while actively searching for the perpetrators,” Thabo Mofutsanyana District SAPS spokesperson warrant officer Mmako Mophiring stated.

Mophiring has urged the public to assist with any information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest.