A 30-year-old resident of Mpheni, Mr Napoleon Mpilo, was killed last Friday evening, when he was allegedly chopped on the head several times with a sharp object.

Waterval SAPS spokesperson Capt Kedibone Mabatha said they were investigating information that the deceased and seven suspects were involved in an argument while busy drinking in a local tavern. During the argument, Mr Mpilo was chopped on the head.

After being alerted by members of the community, the police responded very quickly. "When we arrived on the scene, the victim had already died," Mabatha said. According to him, the deceased had several wounds on the head. A murder case has been opened.

Seven suspects were arrested at the scene. Given Munyai (26), Lufuno Madavha (28), Patrick Ndou (27), Peter Muthukhu (24), Mashudu Madavha (23), Walter Makananisa (22) and Wisani Madavha (26) appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Monday and their case was postponed to 13 March for a bail application.

A family member of the deceased, Ms Yvonne Makhavhu, said that the family and the community were still shocked and very disturbed about Mr Mpilo’s death. "He was still young and the family was still expecting a lot from him. The whole family is mourning his death,” she said.

She added that the family trusted that the law would take its course. "We want to see a severe punishment. The suspects must pay for what they did,” she added.

"Napoleon was everything to us and he was the one who helped us to ensure food on our tables. The fact that he was helpless when he was brutally killed, causes extreme anger,” she added.