Renowned Welkom medical doctor shot dead

Local News/ 19 October 2022, 09:15am/ Mpho Mokoena

The late Dr Simon Ngcobo: image supplied

By Mpho Mokoena: A well-known Welkom medical doctor was kidnapped from his home and later found shot execution style in the head and chest.

Dr Simon Ngcobo (62), was kidnapped at gunpoint from his home in Doorn, Welkom.

According to Police, the incident occured at about 19:30pm on Monday evening, after his 27-year-old wife had arrived home with their two daughters, aged 2 and 5, during load shedding.

She was busy parking the vehicle in the garage when she heard her 5-year-old scream. An unknown man was pointing a gun at the child’s head.

She saw a second man, also armed with a handgun. The mother and little girls were forced into the house when Ngcobo, who was home, opened the door.

Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng, says this is when the two suspects forced themselves into the house.

“The doctor tried to fight back, but he was overpowered. They demanded cash. An undisclosed amount of money was robbed from the safe and cellphones were taken. The suspects forced the doctor from his home, and drove away with him in his white Renault Duster,” said Thakeng.

A search was initiated, and with the help of the tracker the vehicle was found abandoned at 23:00pm, at the corner of Craib and Blenheim Street in Riebeeckstad, Welkom.

“His body was discovered six meters from the vehicle. He had sustained gunshot wounds to his head and chest. His hands were tied behind his back. He was certified dead,” said Thakeng.

A case of house robbery and murder has been registered for further investigation.

Thakeng added:

We are aware of sensitive photos of this horrible incident circulating on social media. We are appealing for residents to immediately stop spreading these, as this can hamper the investigation.

The Welkom community is in shock. Dr Ngcobo was well-known, much liked and very respected.

Dave Tilley of the Welkom Motocross Club says Ngcobo was for many years involved in the Welkom Motocross Club. His three sons competed in various events, and he was the club’s medical doctor on race days. He also represented the sport at Motorsport South Africa (MSA).

“It is very sad,” said Tilley.

Meanwhile the Welkom Police have activated an intense manhunt for his killers.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Lechesa of the Serious and Violent Crimes unit on 060-985-9330, or to phone the Crime Stop number 08600-10111.