In an unusual turn of events, two women have been apprehended for allegedly discharging firearms during the funeral of a suspected criminal, supposedly to commemorate his life. The Hawks, officially known as the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, confirmed the court appearance of 24-year-old Bongo Yonela Dipa and 35-year-old Chumisa Phunguzwa.
The duo faced charges in the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court, including the unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and attempted murder. Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, spokesperson for the Hawks, stated that the Provincial Cash-In-Transit (CIT) Task Team of Serious Organised Crime Investigation arrested the women during the early hours of November 30.
The incident in question took place on October 15, when Dipa and Phunguzwa reportedly attended the funeral service of an alleged cash-in-transit robbery suspect at N2 Tsolo junction. The burial service occurred at Mcetywa location in Tsolo, where the women allegedly fired shots unlawfully in a public space as a form of celebration for the deceased. This reckless act resulted in the reported injury of one person.
Warrant Officer Mhlakuvana explained, “A case docket was opened and transferred to the CIT task team of the Hawks for intensive investigation.” The subsequent inquiry identified the pair as among the individuals present during the alleged incident.
Both accused individuals were granted R2,000 bail each, and the case was adjourned to February 5 for further investigation. The charges against them highlight the unusual and concerning circumstances surrounding the commemoration of the suspected criminal’s life at his funeral.