GEORGE NEWS - A female business owner from Thembalethu, Nompumelelo Tshobonga (43), fondly known to the community as Makaveve, was shot and killed at her business premises in Tabata Street, Zone 6, shortly after 22:00 on Saturday night, 4 March. 

Tshobonga owned a very popular shisa nyama* that people from all walks of life flocked to - especially on weekends.

Another victim, a man, was also shot and seriously injured. He was taken to hospital for medical care.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies confirmed the incident and said police were patrolling the street when they heard gunshots.

"On arrival they found the deceased with multiple gunshot wounds and the wounded man. The woman was later declared dead by paramedics," Spies said.

On a question of whether this incident could be in any way related to the recent killing of the chairperson of the George branch of the taxi organisation Uncedo, Welele Mbudede (60), or to recent rumours of extortion in the area, Spies said that the motive for the attack is still to be established and all possibilities are being investigated. No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.

Three shot in New Valley

At about 23:00 on the same evening, three men were shot in an unrelated incident at a tavern in New Valley, Zone 9.

On the police's arrival at the scene they found three victims with gunshot wounds. The victims were all transported to hospital for medical care.

Thembalethu police have subsequently opened a case of attempted murder. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants is requested to contact the investigation officer on 079 894 1576 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially.

Shisa nyama literally means "burnt meat" in Zulu and is the term used in townships for the places where people make and serve braais.

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