In a terrible occurrence, a Zimbabwean street vendor named Lloyd Bhebhe lost his life in Alberton North, South Africa. He was allegedly shot by two private security officers when he was merely trying to sell fruit.
Members of the African Diaspora Workers Network and Zimbabwe Solidarity Network, as well as friends, family members, and activists, have been devastated by this needless tragedy and are in a terrible amount of sorrow.
On the 9th of this month, Bhebhe sought refuge in a salon after being chased away from another store. Two Community Protection Service (CPS) security officers entered the salon, and after an argument about his right to sell fruits at the business complex, they mercilessly shot him.
Bhebhe was not just a street vendor; he was a son, a brother, and a father, battling with mental illness for three years. Losing his truck driver job and struggling to claim money from his old employer had pushed him into a depression. Despite his challenges, he was taking medication and working tirelessly to support his family
“My son has been battling a mental illness for the past three years. He fell into a depression after losing his truck driver job and was battling to claim money from his old employer. He was taking medication for his mental condition,” his mother Patricia Sibanga said.
Sibanga expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the brutal death of her son, Lloyd Bhebhe, who was simply trying to earn an honest living and support his family.
Bhebhe’s wife, four young children, mother, and other relatives reside in a shack at Station informal settlement in Alberton North.
Ekurhuleni Police spokesperson, Captain Neldah Sekgobela, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing regarding the matter, and an inquest docket has been opened. While the statement from the CPS officer has been taken, no arrest has been made yet.
Witnesses informed GroundUp that Bhebhe was well-known in the community and frequently attempted to sell his fruit in stores where he wasn’t allowed. According to Mohlawuphele Zondi, a regular customer at the salon, several shots were fired at Bhebhe.
Julia Pengapenga, another resident, stated that Bhebhe often had disputes with security personnel or business owners who didn’t comprehend that he was mentally ill and intended no harm.
