Tshikota Township was rocked by a violent incident on Saturday (20 August), when a 55-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and stabbed to death at a bar lounge in the township.

According to a police statement, Mr Marubini George Mushapho went to the bar to buy some beer, when two men allegedly approached him and started provoking him. They allegedly demanded money from the change he received when he was buying at the bar. It is alleged that the two men then started to fight with Mushapho and he was stabbed with a sharp instrument, suspected to be a screwdriver. Although Mushapho was rushed to the nearby Louis Trichardt Hospital, he was certified dead on arrival.

The spokesperson for the Makhado police, Capt Maano Sadike, confirmed the incident. "The incident happened shortly before midnight and we have opened a case of murder," he said.

Sadike added that the hardworking police team managed to arrest two suspects early on Wednesday. The two, Thanyani Manngo (24) and Tendani Monube (25), briefly appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate´s Court on Thursday. The case was postponed, pending further investigations.

Members of the community expressed their shock about the incident and condolences to the family of Mr Mushapho. They depicted Mushapo as a good man, who never quarreled with anyone in the township. "The man loved development. We have really lost a community builder," they said. Mushapho was an active member of the South African National Civic Association (SANCO) in the township.

"We want to see justice take its course. The man was very polite and contributed towards building the Tshikota we have today. He did not deserve to die like this," said the chairperson for the Tshikota Sanco, Mr Ngwako Motheketlela. His organization will follow the case until justice is done.

Mr Solly Mushapho said the family was saddened by the unexpected death of Mr Moshapho. "He did not deserve to die like this. It was very cruel and we need to see whoever is responsible sentenced to jail for life," he added.

Mushapho was an employee of Shoprite Louis Trichardt, where he worked for more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife and six children. Anyone with more information on the case can contact Capt Maano Sadike at 015 519 4307.

He will be laid to rest tomorrow (Saturday).