Limpopo EFF councillor killed in hail of bullets

A prominent Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor in Limpopo was shot multiple times and killed by unknown gunmen at his residence in Ga-Botha village.

According to reports,  the incident occurred on Thursday evening.

Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the lifeless body of 46-year-old Jonas Mpye, bearing multiple bullet wounds, was discovered at the scene. He said this grim revelation points to a deliberate and targeted attack, leaving the community shocked and devastated by the loss of a respected figure.

Vehicle hidden in bushes

He added that preliminary investigations also revealed that Mpye’s vehicle was found concealed among the nearby bushes in a neighbouring village. The discovery suggests a possible motive of robbery.

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Police registered a case of murder and robbery.

Limpopo’s provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the heartless act, urging the community to cooperate with the police and provide any information that could aid in the swift arrest of the perpetrators.

Earlier this year, ANC councillor Sbonelo Mthembu was gunned down at a yard in Mkhondo. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli told the media that the councillor, his mechanic and a friend were shot and killed by three men.

“The councillor, along with his mechanic, were brought to the location by a friend driving a bakkie, when suddenly three armed individuals emerged in the yard.

“According to reports, the suspects unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the councillor, who was present in the yard, and tragically, they also fatally shot the friend who remained inside his bakkie.

Mechanic killed

“The mechanic, unfortunately, was unable to evade the shooting and was also targeted by the same suspects while in the yard. Subsequently, the three suspects swiftly fled in an undisclosed direction,” he said.

In February this year, an Eastern Cape ANC councillor was shot and killed in her car. In Ngcingwane, Dutywa, the lifeless body of Nomxolisi Nqwena-Maliwa, aged 47, was discovered inside her vehicle. Police said that she had allegedly been counting money. She was said to have sustained a single bullet wound to the head.

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According to police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana, the assailants shot her before making their escape in a white Toyota Avanza, which was conveniently parked a short distance away. Notably, no personal belongings were stolen during the incident.