By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
NKAMBAKO-The brazen attack of Bhekimpi Mukhari (33), from Nkambako village, Greater Tzaneen, sent shock waves to onlookers at Gilly’s liquor restaurant on Sunday, October 02.
Mukhari’s attack highlights the plight of activists and that the high number of people advocating for the rights of the marginalized and those speaking out against corruption is a ticking time bomb that requires government’s immediate attention.
Speaking to Tzaneen Voice, Mukhari relayed the events that played out on the fateful day and stated that he believes his attack was politically motivated.
“I was playing pool with friends at the tavern. I usually pass time there because it’s a family business. This guy approached us and started provoking specifically me. I knew him because he is a member of the gangster group called the Majanandas and we had had an altercation prior to the incident. He had on one occasion tried to attack my cousin and I broke the fight off”, he said.
“We had an exchange of words but he was aggressive. He subsequently slapped me and I stepped back. He appeared to be blood thirsty because he kept slapping me and eventually pushed me to the ground and I overpowered him. That’s when his friend hit me with a beer bottle and all hell broke loose”, he continued.
The victim alleged that the suspects’ friends ganged up on him and continued to attack him. He further alleged that he was hit with a pool stick on the forehead and scratched with a knife while patrons looked on in shock.
“I was rescued by my neighbour and friend who escorted me out and accompanied me home. The suspect still followed me home and proceeded to attack me. I was bleeding heavily at this point but I managed to escape and called the police and the ambulance”, he said.
The case was registered at Letsitele Police Station and one suspect was ultimately arrested while his two accomplices are at large.
