Online Reporter
Bokang Tlou
THERE WAS Pandemonium in the early hours of Monday in Paddonhurst suburb, when a woman was mistakenly shot in the neck with a pellet gun during a suspected copper cable theft incident.
The incident occurred around 3AM as residents were on high alert following reports of cable thieves prowling the area.
Jude Mawera, a well-known figure in the neighbourhood watch, was the unfortunate victim after being mistaken for a thief. In the confusion, a trigger-happy resident fired a pellet gun, hitting her in the neck.
Her son, Jason Mawera, confirmed the incident and said his mother was rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) where she was treated for minor injuries.
“I think as neighbours we need to know each other better to avoid these kinds of accidents. This was caused by people simply not recognising familiar faces in their own community,” he said.
Jason also slammed the way the matter was handled, saying the family was left in the dark.
“As her son, I wasn’t informed until her friend called me. My mother was alone at UBH, injured and with no way to reach out. I understand she might have told them not to call me, but it’s basic humanity to ensure the victim’s family is informed,” he fumed.
He also raised concerns about how community members are using pellet guns.
“It’s good that people are arming themselves to protect the community, but it’s crucial that they are trained. You can’t just shoot first and ask questions later,” said Jason.
Despite the chaos, he expressed gratitude to those who helped his mother during the ordeal.
“I’m grateful to the friend, who called me and stayed by her side. But I really hope the neighbourhood watch will be more responsible in future. My mother could’ve died,” he added.
Contacted for comment, Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said she had not yet received a report regarding the incident.
