A quiet community outside White River in Mpumalanga has been left in shock and fear after a couple was brutally shot and killed inside their home in the early hours of Sunday morning, 15 March 2026.
The victims, identified as Masotja Ngomane and Mpumi Shongwe, were reportedly attacked while inside their house in Chochocho. According to residents, the incident has deeply shaken the community, especially as those responsible for the crime have not yet been arrested.
Community members say the killing has brought back painful memories of a similar tragedy that occurred in the area last year, where two people—who were also related—were gunned down inside a home. This pattern of violence has left residents feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety.
Masoyi Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Vusi Mamindze, expressed the community’s distress, saying many people are struggling to process what has happened.
“As a community, we are not okay,” he said. “We are now living in fear because we don’t know who might be next. The people who committed this crime are still out there.”
Mamindze added that the victims were known in the area as security guards and were not associated with any criminal activity. Their deaths have therefore raised many unanswered questions.
“We knew them as people who were well-behaved and hardworking. It is difficult to understand what could have led to such a brutal attack,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing fear among residents, which is making it harder for potential witnesses to come forward with information.
“Even if someone saw something, they may be too afraid to speak out because the suspects are unknown. Fear is spreading in the community,” Mamindze explained.
Despite this, he urged residents to work together with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
“We are calling on anyone who might have information to assist the police. The killers must be found, and the community must stand together during this difficult time,” he said.
Police have confirmed the incident and stated that the victims were aged 45 and 35. Authorities have opened a case of murder, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear at this stage.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo appealed to the public for assistance in the investigation.
“We urge anyone who may have information that could help in identifying or locating the suspects to contact their nearest police station or call CrimeStop on 0860 10111,” he said.
As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, hoping for answers and justice for the victims. The tragic loss of Ngomane and Shongwe has not only left their loved ones grieving but has also cast a dark cloud over the entire Chochocho area.
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