Widow of alleged rhino poaching kingpin Chief Clyde Mnisi gunned down in cold blood

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the widow of the slain chief, Charlene Felicity Mathews, was shot multiple times at around 1.10am on Tuesday.

Two other family members, including the Mnisi’s son, were also shot during the attack and later taken to hospital.

Police in Calcutta in Mpumalanga are investigating a case of murder and two attempted murders.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, when the alleged gunmen shot Mathews repeatedly in the head — the hallmarks of a targeted assassination.

The police preliminary inquiry showed that the armed suspect(s) gained entry into the house, shot at the three victims, and then fled the scene. When Calcutta officers arrived shortly after the attack, they discovered the woman’s body.

SAPS management under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the shooting.

“Part of the investigation will be to establish how the suspect(s) gained entry into the house. Police found some cartridges on the scene. A team of investigators has been assembled and have already begun the probe with a hope to arrest the perpetrator,” Mohlala explained.

The death of Mathews comes nine days after the assassination of her husband Chief Clyde Mnisi who died of multiple bullet wounds near Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near White River, late on Sunday 26 March. His killers are still at large.