Cape Town – In a shocking turn of events, Athule Mtsha, one of the two men accused of the brutal killings of three children and an adult at a barber shop in Khayelitsha last year, was shot dead just hours after appearing in court. The incident occurred in Nkanini, a neighbourhood in Cape Town, on Monday, 26 May 2025.
The news has sent ripples of disbelief and concern through the community, already scarred by the tragic events of the previous year.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the police spokesperson, confirmed the fatal shooting, stating, "Harare police responded to a shooting complaint on Monday, May 26, 2025, at about 1.15pm in Ntlazane Road, Nkanini."
Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered the bodies of two men, both with multiple gunshot wounds. "Both victims were declared dead on the scene by medical personnel," Sergeant Twigg added. One of the deceased was later identified as Athule Mtsha. The identity of the second victim has not yet been released.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double murder. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed that Mtsha had appeared in the Khayelitsha Regional Court earlier that same day. "On 26 May 2025, Mtsha appeared at Khayelitsha Regional Court B, and the State was later advised that he was fatally shot on that afternoon of the same day," Ntabazalila stated.
Mtsha, along with his co-accused, Sithisa Masiko, faced serious charges related to the horrific shooting that took place on 8 June 2024. The incident, which occurred inside a barber shop in Site C, Khayelitsha, claimed the lives of three young children, aged four, 10, and 12, as well as a 30-year-old man.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene painted a grim picture of the events that unfolded. According to witnesses, unknown gunmen arrived at the barber shop in a white Toyota Quantum. Upon entering the premises, they reportedly inquired about an individual allegedly in possession of a firearm.
Without warning, the suspects opened fire, indiscriminately targeting patrons inside the barber shop. The hail of bullets resulted in the tragic deaths of the three children and the adult victim. The senseless act of violence left the community reeling in shock and mourning.
Following the shooting, Mtsha and Masiko were swiftly apprehended by law enforcement. They were subsequently charged with multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges reflected the severity of the crimes they were accused of committing.
Despite the gravity of the charges against them, both Mtsha and Masiko were granted bail. This decision sparked outrage and concern among some members of the community, who feared the potential for further violence or intimidation. The pair were scheduled to return to court on 8 July 2025, as the trial was set to continue. However, with Mtsha's death, the legal proceedings have now been thrown into disarray.
The shooting of Athule Mtsha raises numerous questions and concerns. The timing of the incident, just hours after his court appearance, has fuelled speculation about potential motives and connections to the original barber shop massacre.
Law enforcement agencies are under immense pressure to thoroughly investigate both the original crime and the subsequent shooting of Mtsha. The community is demanding answers and justice for the victims and their families.
The loss of young lives in the barber shop shooting, coupled with the recent death of one of the accused, has left a deep scar on the Khayelitsha community. Residents are grappling with feelings of grief, anger, and fear.
Community leaders and organisations are calling for calm and urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigations. They are also emphasising the need for increased efforts to address the root causes of violence in the area, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities for young people.
Follow Us on Twitter
