Opposition calls for suspension of murder accused councillors
Opposition parties are demanding that two ANC councillors who are charged with the alleged murder of an activist, be suspended.
THE arrest of two ANC councillors in connection with the fatal shooting of Thuli Ndlovu, chairwoman of Abahlali baseMjondolo’s KwaNdengezi branch at her home last year, is stirring up a storm of protest from opposition parties who want both councillors suspended.
However, according to media reports in the Mercury today, council speaker Logie Naidoo is refusing to suspend the two councillors, Mduduzi Ngcobo and PR councillor Velile Lutsheku until a court judgement is handed down. In the meantime, the two councillors continue performing their duties as councillors and drawing a monthly salary. Velile Lutsheku chairs the city’s town planning committee.
The High Court indictment states that the two councillors conspired with a third person, and alleged triggerman, to kill Thuli Ndlovu who, together with her supporters were demanding that RDP homes be allocated to Thokoza residents before people from other areas. This was in conflict with Ngcobo and Lutsheku. The indictment alleges the two men hired a hit man for R15 000.
The two men were arrested in February this year and released on R10 000 bail each. They have not been asked to plead and will appear for trial later in August. According to the Mercury’s report, the ANC Provincial Secretary Sihle Zikalala reportedly confirmed the two had been suspended from the party immediately after they were arrested.
