Funeral Service Held for Chumani Majikijela, Son of Eastern Cape Police General Tlokoeng – The Assemblies of God Church in Solomzi township was filled to capacity yesterday as scores of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Chumani Majikijela, a 35-year-old taxi driver who was fatally shot along with two others in an alleged shootout with National Intervention Unit (NIU) members in Tlokoeng CBD on February 22. According to police reports at the time, NIU members were on duty in Tlokoeng, following up on intelligence regarding the suspects. The police reportedly spotted the suspects in a vehicle, and as they approached, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout.
All three male suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead on the scene. Firearms believed to have been used in the exchange were seized and will be subjected to forensic analysis. The emotional and solemn funeral service was a testament to the impact Majikijela had on his community and loved ones. Family friends and colleagues from the taxi industry came together to pay their respect to the man described as respectful individual who loved his family and friends. “He had love for his family”, said Liziwe Majikijela, Chumani’s aunt, holding back tears. “The Saturday before he died, he went to his grandmother’s home in Gabheni and cut the grass and cleaned the house. He said goodbye in a nice way. He was always clean and neat.”
Mandlenkosi Majikijela, Chumani’s uncle, echoed these sentiments,describing his nephew as “very down to earth” and a friend he would often confide in. “I have lost a friend, a brother,” he said. His voice cracking with emotion.
Sphamandla Majikijela, Chumani’s uncle shared a fond memory, “Chumani always kept sensitive information from me. I think he was protective of me. He always conferred with his cousin. When he wanted to do something, he would do it same time. He was impulsive. What pains me is the fact that he told me he wanted to settle down and get married just days before his death. It’s as if he new his days were numbered.”
Sithenkosi Phakula, a close friend, said, “I call him primary friend because he was my first friend at school. Chumani is someone, who when you need help, he does’nt hesitate. He was an honest person. If you have wronged someone, he would tell you straight, You did A,B,C, go and apologise to that person.”
Nkululeko Mkani, a former colleague, described Chumani as very respectful and neat. He had a quiet character, but he respected the rules of the taxi industry.”
Abenathi Majikijela, Chumani’s sister, remembered him as “a straight talker. He was impatient and impulsive, wanting things to be done here and now. He showed me tough love, not through words, but through actions.”
In a recorded audio message, Chumani’s mother, Nompumelelo Majikijela, an Eastern Cape police General, paid tribute to her son, saying, “Chumani, the neighbours never complained about your wayward behaviour. You also looked after your grandmother and fed her in hospital when she was sick. You took up responsibilities of representing me in family gatherings and family funerals. I will always be grateful to God for allowing me to be your mother and for giving me a chance to raise you to be a respectful human being.” As is standard in all incidents involving police action, the case has been handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.
The funeral service was a poignant reminder of the senseless loss of life and the impact it has on loved ones. Chumani Majikijela’s death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him and his memory will be cherished by all who attended the funeral service.
No tags for this post.
