As police search for the killers behind last month’s mass shooting at Mdlalose’s tavern, some victims are in hiding, fearing the shooters may return to finish the job.
A travel and tourism student who was shot seven times during the attack is among those nursing their wounds in hiding. The 20-year-old was discharged from hospital two weeks ago and he has since remained indoors where he is bedridden and has been issued with a walking frame to help his mobility.
“My life has been destroyed. I was about to complete my studies but now I can’t even walk. This is not the life I wanted,” he said.
Sixteen people were killed and seven were injured when a group of men armed with AK-47s and pistols opened fire at Mdlalose’s tavern at Nomzamo informal settlement in Orlando, Soweto, on 10 July. Over 130 AK-47 cartridges were found at the scene.
The student was shot three times on the left arm, three times on his right leg and once on his back. He has given a statement to the police but is disappointed that he has not been taken to a place of safety as police search for suspects.
“Weeks have passed since the shooting but nobody has been arrested. When I gave police my statement, I was hoping that they will protect me until those behind this shooting are arrested. I’ve been discharged from hospital and now I fear that those gunmen might return to finish off what they have started,” he said.
Another Orlando resident who claims he was mugged and assaulted by men suspected to be behind the Mdlalose tavern shooting, has also gone into hiding.
A woman who was allegedly robbed by the group on the night of the shooting refused to speak about what she saw.
“I’ve told police everything I know. Please don’t contact me again. I don’t want to die,” she told Sowetan yesterday.
Police have since identified five possible suspects in the case. Many of the suspects have fled to Lesotho.
Gauteng police commissioner Elias Mawela over the weekend said arrests on this case will be made soon.
Mdlalose’s tavern has closed its doors since the shooting.
Police minister Bheki Cele deployed a special police task team that included members of the tactical response team in the area.
Orlando residents said increased police presence has produced positive results.
“Police are still patrolling our community at night. We still hear gun sounds but it’s not as frequent as before. Deployed police have brought positive changes. I just wish they can remain in our area a bit longer,” said Thembeka Ntsolo.
Greater Orlando community policing forum chairperson Dumi Twala shared a similar opinion, saying patrollers have not attended to any major crime issues in the area since the shooting.
“I don’t have recent crime statistics with me but I can confirm that there has been a positive change in Nomzamo. Deployed police are still driving around the community to improve safety,” said Twala.
– nzimandeb@sowetan.co.za
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