Staff Reporter
POLICE are still investigating the killing of a well-known Mafeteng taxi owner, who was gunned down in cold blood on Saturday evening.
Mare Nthunya (51) was shot by an unknown gunman as he drove from a filling station at around 8pm.
According to police spokesperson Clifford Molefe, the popular businessman had just left the gas-station and was about to enter the main road when the gunman opened fire.
“The now-deceased was about to join the main road after refilling at one of the service stations in Mafeteng when a gunman came from nowhere and started shooting at him. He died instantly, and police investigations into the matter are continuing,” said Superintendent Molefe.
Officer Commanding Mafeteng, Senior Superintendent Tšeliso Baholo, told the Lesotho Times that Mr Nthunya sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the head and upper body.
“The deceased had multiple bullet wounds. Twelve shells from a 9mm pistol were found at the scene of crime. No arrests have been made yet in connection with the crime and police investigations are in progress,” said Sen Supt Baholo.
Asked if the killing could have been connected to the famo music turf war which has claimed dozens of lives in Mafeteng and other parts of the country, Sup Molefe said it was too early to make a conclusion.
“It is too early to say what the motive was as the police are still doing their investigations,” Sup Molefe said.
The fighting between famo music groups, who often insult each other in their songs, has often resulted in loss of life.
In some instances, innocent people who have nothing to do with the music or turf war, are caught in crossfire. The government has since established a taskforce in an effort to end the bloodshed.
