Tragic murder of teenager Onako Bhesete shocks Philippi East community
The Bhesete family from Philippi East is struggling to come to terms with the brutal and senseless murder of 18-year-old Onako Bhesete, who was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body in the Marikana informal settlement on Thursday morning.
Speaking to Vukani, his relatives said Onako had been preparing to leave for Phakama High School, located just across the street from his home, when three unknown men allegedly took him.
“He was wearing his school uniform and carrying his books,” said a relative who asked not to be named.
“We have no idea why he was targeted, and we’re too afraid to speculate. We’re living in fear and calling for justice.”
The footpath where the lifeless body of Onako Bhesete, 18, was found dead in Marikana Informal settlements by a resident. He was wearing a school uniform and still had his books with him when he was discovered. He had multiple gun wounds on his upper body.
Image: Siyavuya Khaya
The relative added that the family had made plans for Onako to attend initiation school in December.
“All those plans have been destroyed,” she said.
“I heard gunshots this morning, but in our area, gunfire is so common that I didn’t think much of it. Later, I received a call from his mother saying her son had been found dead. She’s not coping well.”
Philippi East police spokesperson, Captain Granville Meyer, said a case of murder has been opened.
“Our officers received a complaint from a passerby who discovered the body of a young male, said Captain Meyer.
Upon arrival, he said, police identified the victim through school books found in his possession.
"The motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting are still unknown.”
Chairperson of the Philippi East Community Policing Forum (CPF), Zolani Bottom, expressed his shock at the murder.
“For a few months, we believed crime in the area was decreasing, but recently we’ve seen a spike in murders, particularly involving children,” said Mr. Bottom.
“It’s deeply troubling that no one seems to know who is behind these killings. We are urging the community to work with law enforcement and take back our streets.”
Police are appealing to anyone with information about the murder to come forward.