The double murder of two best friends fatally stabbed while walking home in the early hours of Monday morning has left two families devastated.
Mzwanele Ntsokota and China Solomon, 41 and 45 respectively, were attacked by an unknown number of assailants in Nxarhuni just outside East London.
The two friends, who had earlier visited a local drinking hole, were just metres from home when they were accosted shortly after midnight.
Solomon, who had attempted to flee their attackers and find help, was stabbed 14 times. His friend also had multiple stab wounds to his neck, chest and arm.
Phiwokazi Mzekwa said she had last seen her boyfriend Ntsokota just after 9pm on Sunday night.
The two have a three-year-old child.
She said Ntsokota had gone to the shop and on his way back home, had met up with Solomon. The two decided to visit a tavern.
“They did not stay long because apparently Mzwanele wanted to go back home, saying they were too old to be hanging out in the tavern.”
On the way home, when the two friends were attacked, Ntsokota was the first victim.
Solomon tried to run.
While fleeing, Solomon managed to call his girlfriend, who is Ntsokota’s younger sister.
“China called Unathi and said Mzwanele was getting stabbed and she came rushing to our house to tell me the news.”
With the help of other residents, the women set off in search of the men. Ntsokota’s lifeless body was found on a field.
Solomon was eventually found dead in someone’s yard.
Andile Ntsokota said: “My brother was stabbed on his chest, arm and near his heart, as far as I know.
“We haven’t even decided when the funeral will be.”
Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said Vulindlela police officers in Mdantsane were investigating two cases of murder. The motive for the attack is unknown.
“There was no indication that anything was taken from the deceased. The investigation continues and no arrests have been made,” Mbi said.
Ward councillor Mawethu Marata said the villagers were shocked by the attack on the two friends.
He claimed two other people from the same part of Nxarhuni had been killed in a similar manner since the beginning of the year.
“We have three major problems in this village: shebeens that operate throughout the night, people who don’t want to sleep and thugs who are on a mission to kill other people.
“I personally knew Mzwanele and I was shocked when I heard he might not survive the attack.
“The two were close. Their attack was brutal as China was stabbed 14 times. He sustained the most injuries. We plead with shebeen owners to close early but people never listen.
“We have a major problem of alcohol abuse and shebeens that do not close and when people witness these incidents, people are not honest to assist the police. It’s a crisis.”
Mbi said police visibility in the area has increased since the double murder. He said the sector manager was in constant contact with the community.
“Community members are also urged to work with the police – men and women who have pledged as well as committed to serve and encouraged to be part of crime fighting initiatives through the community policing forums,” he said. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
Friends die in frenzied knife attack
Mzwanele Ntsokota and China Solomon, 41 and 45 respectively, were attacked by an unknown number of assailants in Nxarhuni just outside East London.
The two friends, who had earlier visited a local drinking hole, were just metres from home when they were accosted shortly after midnight.
Solomon, who had attempted to flee their attackers and find help, was stabbed 14 times. His friend also had multiple stab wounds to his neck, chest and arm.
Phiwokazi Mzekwa said she had last seen her boyfriend Ntsokota just after 9pm on Sunday night.
The two have a three-year-old child.
She said Ntsokota had gone to the shop and on his way back home, had met up with Solomon. The two decided to visit a tavern.
“They did not stay long because apparently Mzwanele wanted to go back home, saying they were too old to be hanging out in the tavern.”
On the way home, when the two friends were attacked, Ntsokota was the first victim.
Solomon tried to run.
While fleeing, Solomon managed to call his girlfriend, who is Ntsokota’s younger sister.
“China called Unathi and said Mzwanele was getting stabbed and she came rushing to our house to tell me the news.”
With the help of other residents, the women set off in search of the men. Ntsokota’s lifeless body was found on a field.
Solomon was eventually found dead in someone’s yard.
Andile Ntsokota said: “My brother was stabbed on his chest, arm and near his heart, as far as I know.
“We haven’t even decided when the funeral will be.”
Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said Vulindlela police officers in Mdantsane were investigating two cases of murder. The motive for the attack is unknown.
“There was no indication that anything was taken from the deceased. The investigation continues and no arrests have been made,” Mbi said.
Ward councillor Mawethu Marata said the villagers were shocked by the attack on the two friends.
He claimed two other people from the same part of Nxarhuni had been killed in a similar manner since the beginning of the year.
“We have three major problems in this village: shebeens that operate throughout the night, people who don’t want to sleep and thugs who are on a mission to kill other people.
“I personally knew Mzwanele and I was shocked when I heard he might not survive the attack.
“The two were close. Their attack was brutal as China was stabbed 14 times. He sustained the most injuries. We plead with shebeen owners to close early but people never listen.
“We have a major problem of alcohol abuse and shebeens that do not close and when people witness these incidents, people are not honest to assist the police. It’s a crisis.”
Mbi said police visibility in the area has increased since the double murder. He said the sector manager was in constant contact with the community.
“Community members are also urged to work with the police – men and women who have pledged as well as committed to serve and encouraged to be part of crime fighting initiatives through the community policing forums,” he said. — mamelag@dispatch.co.za
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