Why did you want to kill us?
This is a question survivors of the Mdlalose Tavern massacre want to ask two men who were arrested in connection with the shooting that left 16 people dead and injured seven others.
The shooting happened at Nomzamo in Orlando East, Soweto, on July 10.
The killings sent shockwaves across the country, with residents of Nomzamo, better known as Lahlumlenze, living in fear.
Over 130 AK-47 cartridges were found at the scene.
On Monday, the duo is expected to appear in the Orlando magistrate's court.
On Sunday, provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Moridili said police were looking for seven other suspects in connection with the massacre.
This is contrary to what national police minister Bheki Cele said following the shootings, saying they were looking for five suspects identified using CCTV footages from the area.
Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela said the suspects had fled to one of the countries in the SADC region.
On September 5, police released pictures of five men believed to be behind the killings. There are warrants of arrests.
Among them is Sarele “Lehlanya” Sello – one of the most wanted men in SA – who met with Cele but he let him go.
Sello is the leader of Terene ya Khosi Mokata, a Lesotho group which is harboured in their country and are enjoying the protection of the ruling party All Basotho Convention.
The other suspects are Tshepiso Elliot Radebe, Thabang Radikatara, Tshidiso Moleko and Keletso Rabasotho.
"The police are looking for at least nine suspects. Five identified with warrants of arrests, two [are] in custody.
While survivors Nqubeko Buco and Sibonelo Chonco said they wanted to attend the proceedings to come face-to-face with their shooters, injuries and work commitments were making it impossible for them.
They were relieved at the developments.
Chonco said: “I am happy that some people have been arrested. I am happy because I may finally get answers as to why they wanted to kill us.
"There are so many families that lost their loved ones. We have so many questions about what happened that night. We want to know why they shot at us. What was the plan?
"People are talking out there and we do not know what the truth is. We need to know why they did what they did,” said Chonco.
He said he didn't have to work, so he will go to court.
“I want to see their faces and see that these are the people who shot at me.
"I also want to hear what is being said in court myself,” he said.
Buco echoed Chonco's sentiments.
“Things are getting better as there are people who have been arrested, although it is not all of them. Maybe now we will finally get answers as to why they did what they did,” Buco said.
He said he was still recovering and was still unable to walk.
Buco said some of his family members will be in court.
Independent crime analyst Johan Burger said there isn't much that could be read on the arrests.
"Not very much but it shows, contrary to what many believe, that the police are in fact continuing with their investigations. The public usually expect quick arrests when crimes such as this happen.
"But doing the investigation is normally time consuming and painstaking police work about which the general public has very understanding and subsequently also very little appreciation."
dlaminip@sowetan.co.za
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