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Family demands answers after police kill 'nyaope smoking' man

Witness describes 'movie-like' shooting scene

By Kaizer Nengovhela • 22 January 2026
Family demands answers after police kill 'nyaope smoking' man

After a man was fatally shot by Makhado police, his family demands answers regarding the circumstances of his death. Police claim the deceased, who allegedly stabbed an officer, was shot after a chase, but witnesses and the family question the official account. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the incident.

The family of a man shot dead by Makhado police in Louis Trichardt on Friday morning, 16 January, is demanding answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. The deceased has been identified as 41-year-old Godfrey “Godfather” Semenya.

Police allegedly responded to complaints that Semenya had been harassing members of the public near the town’s central business district. When approached, Semenya fled, with two police officers giving chase.

Near the corner of Krogh and Joube...

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