Last week, chilling words, “I killed him,” allegedly came from the man accused of brutally stabbing his colleague at Westonaria’s Leseding family hostel. Boinehelo Lefefa faces charges of premeditated murder after fatally attacking his Mozambique originating Alcino Macovo.
Workers acquainted with Lefefa and Macovo disclosed the shocking incident to Sowetan. They recounted how Lefefa, seeking the human resource manager, found Macovo at a nearby spaza shop and viciously stabbed him multiple times in the abdomen.
Following the assault, Lefefa called a union representative, confessing his deeds. Witnesses stated that Lefefa lingered at the scene, taking a selfie with Macovo’s body, which circulated on social media, raising concerns about his mental state and shocking the local mining community.
Reports suggested a history of conflict between Lefefa and Macovo stemming from a prior altercation in June. Lefefa accidentally sprayed Macovo with water during a work shift, prompting retaliation, resulting in Lefefa’s hospitalization. Upon their return to work, both were suspended, leading Lefefa to question the fairness of the decision.
Despite reporting the incident to the police, no arrest was made, exacerbating Lefefa’s anger. This led to the fatal stabbing at the hostel, wherein Lefefa not only attacked Macovo but engaged in gruesome acts, cutting Macovo’s stomach and attempting to decapitate him.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane highlighted the shocking nature of the incident, underscoring the lack of intervention by unarmed security personnel. Lefefa even took photos and videos with the deceased before surrendering to the police.
During court proceedings, Lefefa requested time to appoint a private attorney, revealing no previous convictions except a child maintenance case. The community expressed deep shock and bewilderment at the tragic incident, with residents like Mamello Meso denouncing the violence as a disturbing indication of society’s state.
Xolani Mdule, a mineworker familiar with Lefefa and Macovo, expressed astonishment, acknowledging their past dispute but never anticipating such a gruesome outcome.
The case was adjourned to facilitate Lefefa’s legal representation and formal bail application, leaving Westonaria grappling with the disturbing aftermath of this tragic event.