Shot teenager out of danger

21 October 2009 - 02:00
By Riot Hlatshwayo

A MPUMALANGA teenager, who had been in the intensive care unit of White River's Temba hospital after allegedly having been shot in the head by her boyfriend is out of danger.

A MPUMALANGA teenager, who had been in the intensive care unit of White River's Temba hospital after allegedly having been shot in the head by her boyfriend is out of danger.

Thandeka Mashego, 19, of Lehau Trust, White River, had been in the hospital's ICU since she was shot last Tuesday, allegedly by one of the province's most wanted criminals, Sifiso Sambo, 27.

KaNyamazane police spokesman, Inspector Andries Skwambane, said Sambo allegedly went to the girl's home and tried to force himself on her.

The girl, who had allegedly jilted Sambo because of his "criminal activities", apparently refused to have sex with him. This led to a heated argument between them.

Neighbours heard the sound of gunfire coming from Mashego's home and called police, according to Skwambane.

"We found Mashego and Sambo lying in a pool of blood with injuries to the head. A Z88 pistol belonging to a Matsulu police constable was found at the scene," said Skwambane.

The two were rushed to Temba hospital where Sambo was placed under police guard.

Sambo apparently died a few hours later due to his injuries.

Skwambane said the pistol was stolen from a private car after the Matsulu police constable had apparently left it there last Sunday.

Skwambane said a case of negligent handling of a firearm had been opened against a the policeman.