Elderly couple murdered in robbery at Angelo informal settlement

A couple was brutally murdered during a robbery at the Angelo informal settlement, in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.

The victims were shot and killed inside their shack after a group of five armed men allegedly broke in through the roof, demanding money and valuables.

According to eyewitnesses, neighbours heard the couple screaming as the intruders assaulted them and ransacked the shack. Several items, including cellphones and other valuable belongings, were reported missing.

One of the deceased was identified by a source—who asked not to be named—as Mr. Liphende, a 73-year-old man originally from the Mulanje District in Malawi. He is survived by four sons. His partner, a South African woman, has not yet been formally identified, as neighbours said they could not recall her name.

Mr. Liphende was well known in the area. He reportedly owned over 48 rental shacks where informal tenants, many believed to be undocumented immigrants, paid between R200 and R300 per month. He also operated as a mashonisa (loan shark), lending money with steep interest rates—R100 repaid as R150, and R1,000 as R1,500.

Beyond his business dealings, he was respected within the Malawian migrant community.

According to residents, he helped newcomers find jobs and shelter, and even facilitated the repatriation of deceased Malawians by working with funeral insurance providers.

Skalkie Majang, spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni SAPS confirmed that five armed suspects were involved in the attack.

“A case of robbery, theft and double homicide has been opened,” Majang said.

Police investigations are ongoing and no arrests had been made at the time of publication.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Warrant Officer Skalkie Majang at 082 778 7922.

Disclaimer: Sources have chosen to remain anonymous for their safety.