The motive for the killing appeared to be robbery, as the two attackers first shot Lekhuleni three times outside the Mamelodi home of the teenager before searching him, taking his firearm and fleeing the murder scene in the “chief’s” BMW vehicle.
However, the death of the controversial “chief”, will not end the extensive land claim he had lodged against several areas in the north east of Pretoria.
The 16-year-old girl, who spoke to Rekord on condition that she was not identified, said Lekhuleni, the owner of an initiation school in Mamelodi and who had thousands of residents, business owners and organisations up in arms since his multi-billion rand land claim came to light in February, had been with her boyfriend for quite some time.
She said Lekhuleni arrived at her house at about 21h00 to visit her. Later they talked outside in his vehicle and while she was sitting in the front passenger seat, the “chief” was standing outside the car.
“Two men, who were sitting in a parked red Volkswagen Golf some distance from us, approached us on foot. As they came close, they opened fire on Velli, hitting him three times,” she said.
She fled to the gate of her home and looking back, saw the two gunmen searching the body of Lekhuleni, taking his firearm and speeding off in his BMW.
His lifeless body was left in the street, she said, still visibly shocked by her ordeal.
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s maroon BMW 7series which was later found abundoned on Qwambela street in Mamelodi West.
“The motive for the murder is unknown and police request anybody with information to share it with Mamelodi West police on this number 012 812 9037 or 082 492 3241 or alternatively 082 536 6481,” Mogale said.
