A man who narrowly escaped death when his two friends were shot dead along the Madimbo corridor says he believes that his life was spared by the grace of God.

The dead men are Messrs Albert Matshete and Colbert Mavundadavhi, both from Masisi Village.

Swondaha Joseph Mpofu (41) of Masisi, revealed his sadness about the ordeal when he was visited by a delegation from the Musina Municipality at his hospital bed at Musina Hospital. Mpofu, a machine operator at Exxaro Tshikondeni Mine, was shot three times – in the arm, left rib and leg.

Police claim that the three were allegedly poaching when a shooting incident ensued with four security officers from the Makuleke Community. The incident happened at the Madimbo Corridor, near the Pafuri Gate of the Kruger National Park.

The security officers, charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder, appeared in the Mutale Magistrate´s Court and they are out on bail until their next court appearance.

The mayor of Musina Municipality, Cllr Caroline Mahasela, wished Mpofu a speedy recovery and handed him some fresh flowers to soothe his soul. She said although the shooting incident did not take place within the Musina municipal area, there was a need to visit Mpofu because South Africa is one nation, regardless of the geographical boundaries.

She added: "We will always remember you in our prayers and we believe you will quickly recover through God’s miracle. We also understand that you are still in a state of shock after losing your two friends, but you will adjust with time because life should go on. We are feeling the same pain that you are presently experiencing because we are all created by the same God who protected you during the time of the shootings."

Mpofu said he was grateful to receive such an important visit from the local community leaders. "I did not expect it as I regard myself as an ordinary man in the street. I am now feeling better because I know that there are people who support me during this troubled time."