The family of slain ANC councillor Tshepo Motaung will spend their first Christmas without him.
Motaung, an ANC ward 22 councillor, was gunned down outside his uncle’s home in September in Mabopane, north of Pretoria, before last month's local government elections.
His brother Tebogo Motaung told Sowetan that he is not looking forward to Christmas in his brother's absence.
“Christmas will never ever be the same again without my brother,” exclaimed Motaung, with a deep sigh.
Motaung shared fond memories of family gatherings.
He said that he and Motaung would alternate as hosts to commemorate the birth of Christ with family and friends.
“We would depart late, go to our respective homes and have long chats that would last hours as he would be making jokes of what happened the following day,” said Motaung.
“I am honestly not coping at all.”
Emphasising the point he would not celebrate Christmas this year, Motaung said: “I will be indoors or report for work on that day, just to keep my mind busy.”
Whenever he looks at his brother's pictures he feels like it's all just a bad dream and that someone will pinch him to wake him up.
Motaung said police were not taking the case seriously.
“I have lost hope in the justice system.”
He said that police minister Bheki Cele said they knew who the perpetrators were during his visit to the family.
“No arrests have been made. Justice does not exist in SA,” said a hurting Motaung.
Police spokesperson Brig Mashadi Selepe told Sowetan that the case is still under investigation.
“As and when there will be developments that include arrest of suspects, we will formally update the public,” said Mashidi.
Tshepo's widow Mary Motaung, 43, said that her children have not been taking their father's passing well.
“They are trying to be strong but I can see that they are slowly falling apart,” she said.
She said that though she got counselling, she too was not coping.
“I am still hurting but as a mother I cannot afford to fall apart. I have to be strong for the sake of my children.”
She said she would have friends and family over for Christmas.
“The kids are looking forward to it. As for me, I do not know if I am ready for it,” she said.
She said the last time she heard from police regarding the case was when Cele visited her home.
She said when she has tried to follow up on the progress of the case she was told there was no update.
“All I want is justice for my husband,” she said.
