POLITICS

"Stalked by death!" - Daily Sun

"When death came to Tshilidzi Makhado it was not unexpected" - front page lead, May 15 2015

Daily Sun (May 15 2015) - WHEN DEATH came to Tshilidzi Makhado it was not unexpected.

Not only were two of his brothers murdered, he had also had a premonition about dying.

I EXPECT TO DIE SOON, HE TOLD HIS FAMILY.

Tragedy is no stranger to the Makhado family from Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

In 2013, the second-born in the family, Thanyani (42) was shot dead in broad daylight and killed at Makwarela.

Only a month ago, another brother, Lufuno (37), was shot and killed. Some years ago the first-born son died when he was knocked down by a car.

On Tuesday, Tshilidzi (26) was on his way to pick up his children from school in Thohoyandou but instead of stopping he drove by.

A witness told Daily Sun Tshilidzi was trying to escape when he was cornered at a busy stop street and shot dead execution style.

Sources close to the dead man said he had a premonition about his death.

“Last week he came to our house and said his days were numbered and we should pray for him,” said the source.

“He said there were people after him who wanted to kill him. We believe he was being escorted by the killers. That is why he passed the school.”

The source said Tshilidzi never said why they were after him but seemed to have known who they were.

A security company owner and gun expert who happened to be at the scene said the killers were highly trained professionals who could shoot very well.

Thohoyandou police spokesman Major Mashudu Malelo confirmed the incident but said it was still very early to link it to the other two shootings in the family.

“Yes, a man who was driving a bakkie was shot dead at an intersection in Thohoyandou block G. The man was shot several times in the body and the head with an R5 rifle. Spent cartridges were found at the scene,” said Malelo.

“We have opened a murder case but at this stage no arrests have been made. We believe people out there know something about this shooting.

“Anyone with information must please come forward.”

See the Daily Sun’s new website for more on this and other stories....

 

The Daily Sun is South Africa's largest daily newspaper with an average circulation of 274 165 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 2nd Quarter 2014) and a readership of 5.7m (as per AMPS 2012ab). Its Facebook page can be accessed here. It can be followed on Twitter here. To find about advertising on the Daily Sun click here.

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