ANC Deputy Chairperson gunned down
“I know Zane was killed within the political realm, he has always indicated to us that some people were after his head."
MBOMBELA – In what is believed by his friend to be a political killing, the ANC is mourning one of their own in Pienaar, Ward 23.
Mr Michael Zane Phelembe (32), was gunned down on Friday night just outside his home in Pienaar. He is said to have been shot once on the head and the perpetrators fled the scene. His family heard the gunshot and rushed to the gate where they found him lying down and immediately rushed him to the clinic.
“I know Zane was killed within the political realm, he has always indicated to us that some people were after his head. Not so long ago he had to hide from home and his car was burnt down.
“He was a selfless leader who stood for principle, and his political enemies clearly did not like that, hence they have him killed,” said Mr Jealous Nyalunga, the deceased’s friend.
According to Jealous, Zane was a leader who was not enticed by positions and was passionate about the movement.
“He was a leader who led from behind, positions were not his niche. I don’t even understand why his killers were threatened by him, we have really been robbed of a great man. I have served with him in the ANCYL REC committee during the era of Julius Malema, he was an intelligent man who stood for nothing but principle and was always laughing,” he added.
The police have confirmed that Phelembe was shot outside his home, but later died in hospital after a transfer from the local clinic.
“A case of attempted murder was opened on Friday, which later changed to murder after the victim passed on. At this stage I can’t confirm if it was politically motivated as investigations are still being conducted,” said Lt Jabu Ndubane of Pienaar SAPS.
Memorial service and funeral plans will be communicated at a later stage.
