MKHONDO – Busisiwe Sekhonde, the speaker of council of the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), has condemned the murders of councillors in town.
This comes after the assassination of Sbonelo (Mthembu) Ntshangase (36) on January 13.
Mthembu was an ANC ward councillor in Mkhondo Local Municipality.
He and two of his acquaintances, Sandile Khumalo (51) and Sizwe Mbingo (40), were mercilessly gunned down by three unknown gunmen.
Three suspects have since been apprehended.
ALSO READ: Third suspect detained in connection with the triple homicide in Piet Retief
The speaker expressed grave concern about the increase in crime that have occurred over the past two months, particularly in light of last year’s murder of former Mkhondo councillor, Muzi Manyathi on November 4.
Sekhonde believes that such criminal activities should not be tolerated, and she expects the SAPS to take immediate action in combating such crimes.
Sekhonde, on behalf of GSDM, also extended her condolences to all affected families, the ANC and other political parties that collaborated with Mthembu, friends, and the community at large.
The DA in Mkhondo also expressed its concern about the horrific trend of shootings and killing of councillors.
“The municipality is in a chaotic state, councillors are colluding with senior executives for employment, councillors are being sworn in privately, irregularities are the order of the day and service delivery is non-existent. The battle for power in this municipality is getting more untenable by the day,” Irene Brussow,the DA caucus leader of the Mkhondo Municipality said.
The DA urged the police minister, Bheki Cele, to convene an immediate task force to investigate such senseless killings.
“Fear and anxiety are quickly spreading to other councillors. Unfortunately, this will have a knock-on effect on the communities.”
The DA also expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We hope that justice will be served.”
{VIDEO} – Two arrested in Piet Retief triple homicide
Police investigate triple homicide in Piet Retief
