NEWCASTLE – A task team set up to clamp down on the murderers of ANC members in KwaZulu Natal is on a manhunt to bring perpetrators to book.
Related article: [UPDATE] Thembi Mbongo’s husband relives night of her horrific murder
This follows the recent attempted murder of ANC Chairperson, Nonhlanhla Khumalo of the Machibisa branch in Pietermaritzburg, and the murder of ANC Ward 6 Candidate in Newcastle, Thembi Mbongo.
Nonhlanhla Khumalo survived an attempt on her life at her home on the week of July 13, after assailants fired bullets through the kitchen door.
Khumalo and her family took cover after they heard the gunshots.
Also see: KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC condemns murder of ward candidate
Thembi Mbongo was gunned down by perpetrators at her home in Blaauwbosch, in front of her children and husband on July 2.
There have been talks of infighting with the ruling party branches in KwaZulu Natal. The ANC’s task team is looking to ascertain whether the killings are due to this.
KwaZulu Natal Hawks Communications Officer, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said:
“We can confirm that Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating the case of murder and attempted murder which happened at Madadeni area near Newcastle on 2 July 2016. It is alleged that a 34-year-old female was fatally shot by the suspect while she was in her house. Her husband tried to intervene and he was injured in the process. The motive of the killing is unknown and no arrest as has been made at this stage. However, the information available at this stage reveals that the deceased was a councillor candidate in the area.”
Mbongo’s murder follows another controversial incident in Newcastle, where ANCYLs Wandile Manqasha Ngubeni was shot and killed, and another ANC member, Mafika Mndebele, escaped with his life after he was attacked by gunmen who are still at large.
Captain Mhlongo addressed Ngubeni and Mndebele’s case saying:
“On the matter pertaining Wandile Ngubeni and Mafika, Hawks are following positive leads and no arrests have been made at this stage.”
All suspects involved are still at large, and it is still unclear whether the same suspects were involved in the separate incidents.
