Bophelong community leader and businessman shot dead

On November 9, 2024By Pranco

BOPHELONG – He was shot in January and survived a senseless hit.

Eleven months later, his attackers showered the man with a hail of bullets outside his shop, leaving him dead.

Thabiso Maphike, a vocal community leader and businessman, was shot dead on the evening of Friday, November 8, when two assailants opened fire on him as he sat in a car outside his shop with his business partner.

After his shooting, dozens of Bophelong residents gathered at the scene in disbelief as police and forensics investigated.

From a distance, behind the police barricade, a black Golf 1 with a shuttered passenger window could be seen near the doorway of Maphike’s shop.

Several bullet holes could be seen in the windshield and some in the vehicle’s body as the 52-year-old’s body lay cold on the car seat.

Speak with Stara close friend and business partner of Maphike, explained how a duo emerged from the dark before spraying his car with bullets.

“We met earlier to stock up on supplies for his store and later regrouped as we prepared to close the store. A duo asked if Maphike’s store had a swipe facility. They left after buying a beer nearby and later returned with weapons,” he said.

Lenela stood up from the dark and said all he remembered were gunshots while they were in the car.

“There were several gunshots, maybe the third one, then I jumped out of the car and lay on the ground between the store and the car. As soon as the shots stopped when I checked on Maphike, I realized that numerous bullets had pierced his body,” he said.

While the Bophelong community continues to be in shock, many have taken to social media and posted messages of support and condolences to Maphike, who has always been at the forefront of reclaiming the township economy.

At the time of publishing this story, the police spokesperson had not commented on the case.

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