What began as a day of celebration for a family in Bangibizo, Mthwalume, on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, ended in shock and heartbreak after two relatives were allegedly shot dead following a road rage incident.
The victims, Siboniso Mteshane (31) and his cousin Kwanele Gumede (33), were killed at their family home on Saturday night. A man known to the family has since handed himself over to police.
Argument on the Road Turns Deadly
According to a family member who spoke on condition of anonymity, the incident started earlier in the day after the family returned from Port Shepstone, where they had attended an umbondo ceremony — a traditional pre-wedding ritual during which the bride’s family presents gifts to the groom’s family.
After disembarking from taxis and walking home, an argument allegedly broke out on a nearby road when a bakkie struck Gumede’s niece with its side mirror.
“The argument started after Gumede asked the driver if he realised that he had hit his niece,” the relative said.
The driver, who allegedly uses the bakkie as scholar transport, reportedly became aggressive and threatened to return later and shoot Gumede.
“At the time, we did not take the threat seriously,” the family member said. “He swore at him and drove off.”
Gunfire Shatters the Night
Later that night, the family was jolted awake by the sound of footsteps in the yard, followed by gunshots.
“My eldest brother woke up and asked what was happening,” the relative said. “A girl child went outside first and found the two men with gunshot wounds.”
Gumede was found motionless, while Mteshane was discovered bleeding and groaning in bed. Mteshane was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. Gumede was declared dead at the scene.
Police later confirmed that both men had been shot in the head while sleeping in an outside building.
Suspect Hands Himself Over
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Hibberdene SAPS is investigating two counts of murder.
“A 31-year-old suspect handed himself over to the police along with his licensed firearm,” Magwaza said.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the suspect may be a maskandi musician, though police have not officially confirmed this detail.
Family Left Traumatised
The family says the attack has left them deeply traumatised, particularly because it followed a joyful cultural ceremony and because the suspect was known to them.
“We are still terrified,” the relative said. “He did this knowing very well that one of our family members is a police officer.”
The family has appealed for justice as they try to come to terms with the loss.
“We want justice so that we can begin to heal,” the relative added.
Road Rage Under the Spotlight
The incident has renewed concerns about road rage and gun violence in KwaZulu-Natal, where minor traffic disputes have increasingly escalated into deadly confrontations.
As investigations continue, the community remains shaken by how quickly a family celebration turned into a double tragedy — a reminder of how fragile peace can be when anger meets access to firearms.
