Cape Town - Police are searching for suspects in the murder of 27-year-old Awonke Cuba, an off-duty police intern who was shot and killed in Khayelitsha on Sunday while visiting relatives.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said the incident occurred at 2.10am.
“The victim was found and wounded. He was transported to hospital for medical attention, where he later died. No one has been arrested so far,” Rwexana said.
His older sister, Bongiwe Cuba, said Awonke was shot while leaving his cousin Thabisa Qumba’s home.
“As Thabisa locked the door she heard Awonke’s voice and gunshots. She quickly went outside and called Awonke, telling him to come in.”
She said two unknown males then came into the home and demanded Thabisa’s weave. They took it and fled.
“She cried and called her neighbours and noticed Awonke was dripping blood against the wall.”
His twin sister, Ayabulela Cuba, described her brother as a caring and loving man.
“Awonke loved everyone, especially our children. He used to cook for, and bathe them.”
Awonke’s family are grief-stricken and are desperately searching for answers.
His friends and colleagues, Lwando Bokolo and Nkosana Dyakala, described him as a caring soul, a man who devoted his life to taking care of his family.
“I became friends with Awonke four years ago when we were at Northlink college. We use to laugh and make jokes about each other,” said Bokolo.
Dyakala said: “Awonke never involved himself in violence, he loved people and he always prioritised education.”
Since the beginning of this year, five police officers, including Cuba, have been killed in Cape Town.
Constable Vuyo Mkhosana, 22, was shot in the head on the corner of Booi and Jama streets in Mfuleni on July 4.
Constable Lonwabo Kili, 30, and Siyamcela Ncipa, 37, were shot and killed on August 17.
Kili was shot at the corner of Sarah Baartman and Symphony Way in Delft, while Ncipa was shot twice in the head outside the residence of a friend in Khayelitsha, and 33-year-old Constable Arthur Matu was found burnt to death inside a vehicle in Khayelitsha.