The police are still searching for the killer of a Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) ward councillor and another man.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Cllr Lot Nkuna (55), David Matsane (52) and a third as yet unidentified person were shot in Tsema-Marhumbu on Saturday September 23 at about 20:50. Nkuna was killed as he was sitting inside a VW Polo and Matsane as he stood outside the car. The third man sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a medical facility where he is receiving medical treatment.
“Our preliminary investigations have revealed that a gunman wearing a hoodie allegedly walked past the victims, suddenly turned and started shooting at them. Seven spent 9mm cartridges and a live round were found at the scene,” Mohlala said.
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The motive for the shooting is still unknown at this stage and no arrests have been made.
Nkuna’s widow, Anna, said she is not happy with how the police are dealing with the matter and demands justice for her husband. “I was disappointed to learn that the SAPS was refusing to come to my house and brief me about the death, until some high politicians intervened. I do not think my husband will get the justice he deserves, because the police who are handling the case are dragging their feet,” she said.
She had only been married to Nkuna for three months and described him as a loving husband who cared for his family and the community he was serving.
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“He always wanted to see change in his village and was willing to assist his family and the community at large where he could. They robbed us of his life. It was just the beginning of our marriage, and we had plans ahead of us. Arresting the people who killed him will bring closure to me and the entire family,” Anna said.
Meanwhile, Fhumulani Thobakale, a spokesperson for the BLM, said the municipality is devastated by Nkuna’s passing.
She described him as humble and easily accessible to anyone, with a sense of humour and able to interact with anyone regardless of their position in society.
Nkuna was elected the Ward 3 councillor in the 2016 and 2021 elections. He was appointed by executive mayor Sylvia Nxumalo to serve as a member of the mayoral committee heading the technical services portfolio, which deals mainly with the building of roads, bridges and water infrastructure provision.
The police are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS App.
