Shot in Front of His Child: Father of Two Killed in Eloff
On 8 February 2026, father of two and IT specialist Calvin Motha (33) was allegedly shot and killed in front of his nine-year-old son by Adriaan van Tonder (71) in Eloff, near Delmas, Mpumalanga.
Both families were tenants on the same property. Due to repeated water interruptions, the landlord had installed a JoJo tank on Van Tonder’s side of the property for shared use.
The tensions began on Friday when the Motha household’s water supply was allegedly cut off. On Sunday, Calvin went to check whether the pump was on. A verbal altercation followed between the neighbours. Calvin called the landlord, who indicated that they should switch the pump on.
Later that day, after returning from shopping and discovering the water had been turned off again, Calvin and his son went back to switch the pump on. Another argument broke out, and a shot was fired.
Calvin’s pregnant partner, Ozia Dlongolo, tried to get to his body after the shooting, but van Tonder allegedly threatened to shoot her as well, she then fled to seek help.
Van Tonder has appeared in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed to 17 February 2026. He remains in custody.