The Mpumalanga Cogta MEC, Mandla Msibi dismayed after the murder of Chief Cylde Sizwe Mnisi

The Mpumalanga MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Mandla Msibi, is still reeling with shock following the assassination of Hosi Clyde Sizwe Mnisi (37) of the Mnisi Traditional Council of Islington in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. He was coronated as a senior traditional leader of the Mnisi Traditional Council in October 2022. Mnisi was fatally shot, allegedly multiple times, next to the KMI Airport road near White River late on March 26. A provincial SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the incident had occurred at 23:10.

Mohlala said Mnisi had been travelling as a passenger in a Toyota Avanza when one of the vehicle’s tyres suffered a puncture. The driver stopped on the roadside and was waiting for assistance to change the tyre, when a group of about five heavily armed men wearing balaclavas and gloves drove up to the Avanza in a BMW X5.

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Mohlala said they climbed out of the BMW carrying high-calibre rifles, and went straight to the passenger side where Mnisi was sitting. He said the shooters reportedly said something to Mnisi, although it is unclear what, before opening fire on the chief. He died on the scene, reportedly due to the multiple gunshot wounds he had sustained.

Mohlala said the Avanza’s driver was shot in the leg before the gunmen fled the scene in the BMW. The driver is currently receiving medical treatment for his injury.

“The White River police were alerted about the incident and upon arrival, a case of murder with an additional charge of attempted murder was opened and is under investigation,” said Mohlala.

Msibi lamented this death. “The department is deeply saddened by the assassination of Hosi Mnisi. We call on the police to pursue the assassins, so that they face the full might of the law. Mnisi’s death has left a significant void in the institution of traditional leadership in our province.”

The Provincial House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San reiterated Msibi’s call for the arrest of the assassins. According to the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, Mnisi was due to appear in the Mpumalanga High Court on April 17 to face charges relating to rhino poaching and money laundering.

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Mnisi had been arrested and charged along with the late Petros Sidney Mabuza, known to many as Mshengu, before his death on June 17, 2021. Mabuza was shot multiple times in Hazyview and died as he was taken to Kiaat Private Hospital in Mbombela that same afternoon. Nyuswa said Mnisi’s matter had been on the Mpumalanga High Court’s roll for trial between April 17 and May 19.