SA robbed of a role model

KILLING: SLAYING SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH THE KWAZULU-NATAL FARMING COMMUNITY

- Clive Ndou

LOSS. Respected businessman and farmer Mbongeni Skhakhane.

(Picture: Supplied)

Grief has gripped a Sweetwaters family and sent shockwaves through KwaZulu-Natal's farming community following the slaying of respected businessman and farmer Mbongeni Skhakhane.

The 50 year old was shot dead in his bedroom on Friday night before his attackers ransacked his safe and fled with a large sum of money.

A leader and advocate for farmers, Skhakhane also served as the KZN chair of the African Farmers Association of SA (Afasa).

Speaking to The Witness, family spokesperson Thami Mhlongo said the assailants barged into the house on Friday evening, walked past the family who were watching TV and straight into Skhakhane’s room.

Mhlongo said the manner in which he was killed was suspicious, but would not elaborate.

After the assailants killed Skhakhane, they forced a child at gunpoint to open the safe and “cleaned it out”.

Mhlongo said: “He was supposed to go buy livestock on Saturday for clients.

“Some had paid upfront for their purchases, so he intended to buy the goats and sheep the following day.

“One man came yesterday to say he had ordered five goats for a function. He always kept money because of the nature of his businesses.