A joyous occasion turned into a nightmare in Hlokozi, KwaZulu-Natal, as two brothers were shot dead while on their way to pay lobola for their brother. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, 24 August, has left the family shattered and grieving.
Thandokuhle Dlamini (38) and Mzwandile Dlamini (45) were sent by their brother, Bongani Dlamini (41), to pay lobola for his intended wife. The brothers left their home in Nhlwangwini early on Saturday morning, but their journey ended tragically at the gate of their makoti's home.
According to a family member, the brothers were ambushed by unknown suspects who opened fire on them, killing them instantly. The assailants then made off with the R50 000 lobola money, leaving the family in shock and despair.
"We then rushed to the scene and were told that the suspects were driving a VW Polo that didn't have a number plate," said the relative.
The family member revealed that the suspects were driving a VW Polo without a number plate. They believe the attack was not related to the lobola negotiation, but rather a targeted attack on Thandokuhle, who was allegedly involved in a tender dispute.
"We suspect that this shooting could be linked to a tender that was awarded to Thandokuhle. In fact, he knew that there were people looking for him because of this tender. He was in hiding and arrived home especially for this lobola negotiation which didn't happen as they were shot dead," said the relative.
The relative stressed that the incident had nothing to do with the makoti or Bongani.
"In fact, currently, the couple is very sad and heartbroken by this. They don't want to talk about it," said the relative.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed the incident, revealing that one of the deceased brothers was wanted for a murder committed in July 2024.
Provincial police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that police in Highflats opened two counts of murder following the incident.
"Information at the cops' disposal at this stage is that the two victims were sent to pay lobola and were standing at the gate waiting for permission to enter when they were ambushed by six suspects who were all armed with handguns and travelling in two Polo vehicles, one dark grey and the other navy blue," said Colonel Netshiunda.
The police spokesman confirmed that the suspects robbed the victims of the lobola money before fleeing the scene. Police are investigating the matter and have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
