MEC Mchunu shocked by Westville CPF member’s murder
MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, said the murder of Bagwandeen was a great setback in the fight against crime.
THE Kwazulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has learnt with shock and anger that Yashin Bagwandeen, a community policing forum activist in Westville, was shot and killed in full view of his family on Tuesday morning.
While the full details of the incident remain a subject of a police investigation, it is alleged that Bagwandeen, 43, was shot dead in his kitchen after confronting intruders who attacked his family. Preliminary reports indicate that at least four gunmen held up Bagwandeen’s father, his wife and child.
When Bagwandeen heard the commotion, he allegedly came out with his gun and a shoot-out ensued. Bagwandeen was shot in the head and died, and the gunmen fled.
The Westville Community Policing Forum has hailed Bagwandeen as a gentleman who was very giving towards his community and supportive of the work of the police.
Mchunu was taken aback by the murder of Bagwandeen yesterday and said his loss was a great setback in the fight against crime.
“The callous murder of Mr Bagwandeen is a direct attack against the forces fighting against crime and criminality. It is clear that this man had volunteered his life to ensuring that the people of Westville and KZN live in a crime-free environment. His murder is condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is indeed extremely painful to wake up such terrible news that we have lost a crime fighter and a family has lost a father and loved one.
“However, I am assured that members of the police are working around the clock to ensure that those who are responsible for this cold-blooded murder are brought to justice as soon as possible,” said MEC Mchunu.
Mchunu also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bagwandeen.
