The family of Dr George Koboka, who was shot and killed last Friday (25 March) at his practice in Diepkloof, Soweto, believes robbery was not the motive, as nothing was stolen. Instead, says his younger brother Thami, they think it was a “hit”.
The family said he had survived three previous robberies at his surgery before his murder. The last attack was on 16 March. Before then, during which Koboka’s patients were robbed of their valuables and cash, robbers had struck twice before the COVID-19 pandemic, said Thami Koboka. He said the robbers got away with cash but not without a fight from the doctor. “He was brave and would fight back.”
He said that after the robberies, cases were opened at the Diepkloof Police Station and people were arrested, but no one was ever prosecuted because police said there was insufficient evidence.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello told Daily Maverick that Morris Nkosikhona Gumbi, 32, had been arrested for the 16 March robbery and appeared in court on 28 March. Sello said another suspect’s case was not put on the court roll due to lack of evidence and the man was released. “Both recent cases are still under investigation,” he said.
Koboka, a popular GP, was fatally shot when a group of armed men stormed his practice. Speaking from his brother’s home in Mulberton, Thami said he believed Koboka’s killing was a hit.
“I personally don’t think this is what people think it is. It’s not a robbery. I think it’s a hit, especially because there have been different incidents of robberies that have taken place at the practice, but this time he was shot and nothing was taken,” he said. “People just came straight on a mission this time.”
Koboka was described by neighbours and the community as generous and selfless, always available to assist neighbours and others. “He went the extra mile and took special care of the elderly, providing free fruit at his practice,” said Koboka’s friend, Ishmael “Kallis” Mahlangu (83). “This is not just a loss to the family, but the entire community of Soweto.”
Koboka, born on 29 November 1965 in Soweto, had been a member of the South African Medical Association (SAMA) since 1998. He is survived by 12 children, the youngest of whom is nine years old.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Doctors, nurses and paramedics are 'soft targets' for criminals
Motsoaledi outrage over attacks targeting Limpopo doctors
Thembisa doctor dies after being tortured and stabbed