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KZN farmer arrested for killing a mourner at a funeral

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A farmer from Cramond near Pietermaritzburg has been arrested and charged with murder. He allegedly shot and killed 42-year-old Mothi Ngubane during a funeral held on his farm.

The community members living on the farm say they have lived on the farm for many years, but have never experienced such malice.

According to eyewitnesses, the farmer demanded that they stop the funeral and leave the farm immediately.

An altercation between the farmer and mourners ensued.

The farmer appeared to be reaching a gun. Those who tried to stop him were too late.

“We tried to stop him, but he told us to leave. He then cocked his firearm, turned to the deceased and shot him three times in his abdomen and neck and we all ran,” says Mbuzeni Buthelezi, a community member.

Police say the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

“One of the family members tried to intervene and he was shot in the process. The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle and the Cramond Police were called to the scene and they managed to apprehend the suspect who was found in possession of four firearms,” says Police Spokesperson Nqobile Gwala.

Those living on the farm said they had earlier requested assistance from the police.

“We had notified the police about the troublesome farmer and we requested that they come to monitor the situation, but they did not come and we carried on with the funeral until the farmer came and shot him,” says Ntombifikile Lembethe, a farm dweller.

Police couldn’t confirm that they had been called to the farm to monitor the burial.

The farmer’s family could not be reached for comment.

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