While guarding the lifeline of a community, Veli Mdlolo was murdered as he stood watch over the Canna Avenue pump station.
Mr Mdlolo was accosted and shot by two unknown males during the early hours of this morning (July 14) while on duty.
READ MORE HERE: Security guard deployed at pump station is shot dead
uThukela District Municipality that deployed the security officer at the pump station after several acts of vandalism, theft and alleged sabotage, said it was “shocked by the brutal murder.”
“It is with great sorrow that the municipality has learnt about the senseless murder of its guard. The incident occurred at one of our pump stations in Canna Avenue. The motive behind the killing is not yet known. We urge all affected parties to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” read a statement from the district municipality’s communication department.
Calling for swift justice, uThukela District Municipality said: “It is our hope that the police will leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators of such heinous crime and bring them before justice. Details of funeral service have not been communicated by the family as yet. Our prayers and condolences go to the Mdlolo family, friends and colleagues during this testing and difficult time.”
Democratic Alliance Uthukela Councillor Thys Janse van Rensburg called the murder ‘senseless’.
“It must be noted that infighting and political sabotage of water infrastructure has been widely cited by the incoming IFP government in the district. The current situation; with alleged political sabotage that result in prolonged outages must be dealt with decisively by the elected IFP leadership. Police also need to get on with the investigations into all acts of water infrastructure sabotage as it is terrorising, and negatively affecting the livelihoods of many communities,” he commented.
After news of Mr Mdlolo’s death this morning, messages of condolences have been pouring in from members of the community.
Labelled as a ‘hero’ Mr Mdlolo is remembered as sacrificing his life while safeguarding an essential source of life for the community.
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