(Died: 14 February 2004)

Musician gunned down in road rage attack

Julian Rademeyer and Lesley Mofokeng

Mafikizolo band member Tebogo Madingoane was shot dead in front of his girlfriend and two friends in an apparent road rage incident early yesterday.  The 32-year-old music star – known to his fans as Tebza – was shot once in the chest at about 1am during a heated argument with a motorist who allegedly skipped a red light, police said. The shooting occurred near a Caltex garage on the Soweto highway in Diepkloof.  Police spokesman Superintendent Richard Luvhengo said Madingoane and his girlfriend were driving in a VW Polo Playa, followed by two friends in a BMW. At the intersection with Klipvalley Road, a Toyota Corona shot through a red robot, Luvhengo said. Madingoane and his friends followed the vehicle and tried to reprimand the driver. He ignored them and kept on driving. Madingoane then apparently blocked the road with his car, forcing the Corona to a halt. Witnesses said the driver jumped out of his vehicle. Madingoane approached him and asked him why he had failed to stop.  There was a single gun shot and Madingoane slumped to the ground. The alleged gunman then fled on foot towards policemen carrying out routine searches of vehicles along the highway. The police took him back to the scene where they found Madingoane bleeding heavily.  Madingoane’s friends rushed him to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, but he was certified dead on arrival.  The alleged gunman, aged 32, a resident of White City, Soweto, was arrested. Police seized a licensed 9mm pistol. The suspect is expected to appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. Mafikizolo collected three awards at the Metro FM Music awards in November: Best African Pop, Best Group and Best Album.  At last year’s SA Music Awards they also picked up three prizes, including Best African Pop and Best Group. Their 2002 album, Sibongile, sold almost 200 000 copies in three months.