The Siswana family from Mfuleni are struggling to come to terms with the murders of SACP district secretary Siyabulela Siswana and his 6-year-old daughter Banele.
Mr Siswana, 44, was holding his daughter in his arms when he was shot multiple times at his Mfuleni home last week Wednesday. His wife, Nokwanda Siswana, was also shot several times and is in a critical condition in hospital.
Eight bullets hit him in his back while three bullets were fired to his head. The father of five and district secretary of the SACP’s Brian Bunting branch, died along with his daughter on their way to hospital.
When Vukani visited the family the following day, sadness and pain were deeply etched on the faces of family members, community leaders and members of the SACP who gathered at his house.
His uncle, Mntuwekhaya Siswana, said two people entered his house unannounced around 8pm and opened fire on him.
He said it seems as if these people had been patiently waiting for the right moment to enter his house as they entered when one of his children opened the gate to go to the shop. He said the other children ran for cover in other rooms and that is how they survived the attack.
Mr Siswana said the family don’t have the slightest idea of what the motive is behind the attack. “What hurts the most is the fact two of his brothers were killed just like he has been killed. His death has opened healing wounds.
“I received a call that he was shot and asked whether he was still alive or not.
“He was a respectful person. This is the last thing we wanted to deal with. I don’t know why God is allowing children to die first, leaving us behind. It should be them who bury us not the other way around. No parent wants to lose their children like this,” he said.
A visibly shaken Mr Siswana described his nephew as a peaceful person who loved his family and someone who always wanted things done properly.
Mr Siswana said apprehending the killers would bring a sense of relief although it would not bring his nephew and his daughter back.
Siyabonga Mgolombane, deputy secretary at the SACP Brian Bunting branch, said the SACP in the Western Cape is deeply shocked by
Mr Siswana and his daughter’s deaths.
Mr Mgolombane said Mr Siswana worked as his deputy and he was a tireless and selfless leader who led with compassion. He said Mr Siswana left an indelible mark and would be remembered for his humility and love for his people as he served wholeheartedly.
He said the SACP in the Western Cape calls on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are apprehended.
Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said detectives are interviewing several individuals as part of the investigation into the murders.
Brigadier Potelwa said police reports indicate that two suspects, whose faces were concealed, walked into Mr Siswana’s home in Extension 6, Mfuleni. “One of the suspects who was armed fired several shots at the occupants. As a result, Mr Siswana and his daughter died. His 39-year-old wife was seriously wounded and is in hospital,” she said.
She said detectives are hard at work investigating the two murders and attempted murder.