By Masilo Malakwane
QWAQWA – A somber mood prevailed at the funeral of Benjamin Mahasa 47 year-old father of 5, in Makwane village on Sunday, 28, February 2021, he succumbed to bullet wounds during a dispute over securing a place in a queue for the Covid-19 relief grant at Mandela Park shopping complex, north of Phuthaditjhaba on Monday, 22, February 2021. Family spokesperson, Mr Maqhawana Mofokeng said they are heartbroken to have lost their family member in such a horrific manner “We have accepted and put the trust in the justice system to deal swiftly with whoever is involved in Benjamin’s untimely passing,” he said.
Executive Mayor of Maluti a Phofung Local Municipality Masetjhaba Mosia Lakaje attended the funeral and slammed the recent killings of innocent people in shopping complex saying it’s completely unaccepted “I wrote the letter to the Mec of Police, Roads and Transport Sam Mashinini and Phuthaditjhaba station Commander Brig. Moses Mohloare for intervention, Benjamin is the second victim we lost now in our shopping complex.” She said.
Police spokesperson Brig. Motansi Makhele confirm the incident took place and left a 38 year- old victim who could not be named injured. “It is alleged that a group of people were standing in a queue just outside the shopping complex premises on Mota road in Mandela Park, an argument ensued about men who were suspected of jumping the queue and eventually that resulted in Benjamin being killed and other injured. During the argument, the suspect produced the firearm and fired shots, wounding two people, they then fled the scene after the incident”.
