Emalahleni — The family of 28-year-old Mxolisi Mphela is demanding justice after the local police followed a tip-off that mistaken him for someone else. They shot and killed him at a local recreational park in Phase 4, Ezinambeni, on 01 November 2025.

His sister, Nomsa Mashigo, said the police were searching for a suspect whose image had been circulating on social media. However, it turned out that the person had been wearing similar clothes to what Mphela wore that day. The suspect was reportedly wanted in connection with a hijacking that occurred in Vosman prior to the shooting.

“While everyone split and ran in different directions, Mxolisi couldn’t run far because he had a knee injury from his soccer days,” Mashigo said. “He surrendered with his hands up and no weapon, but the police shot him in the chest anyway.”

While waiting for medical services to attend him, Mashigo said the police officers left the scene while her brother was still alive, but ended up succumbing to the gun wound.

Family members said Mphela had spent the morning attending a friend’s funeral and later joined his sister and friends at the park. “He was so happy that morning,” his mother, Olga Mashego said. “He had worn the suit he got as a gift for standing in for his late father at his sister’s wedding in October.”

Ward 1 Councillor Stuurman Tlapy condemned the incident, saying it reflected the growing mistrust between communities and police. “Where are we supposed to go if the police are the ones who kill us instead of protecting us?” Tlapy asked.

The family believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. “Even if they thought he was the suspect, why shoot when he surrendered?” Mashigo asked. “My brother has never been arrested and had no pending cases. He didn’t deserve to die [like that].”

According to the police, Mphela allegedly opened fire first, prompting officers to return fire. They claimed that a firearm with its serial number filed off was found at the scene.

However, witnesses and family members dispute this version of events, insisting Mphela was unarmed when he was shot.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has since launched an investigation into the incident. As of publication, IPID had not yet provided a comment. Meanwhile, Mphela’s family has called on community members to come forward with any information that could help the investigation. “We just want justice,” said Mashigo. “Our brother’s life mattered.”