A case of attempted murder opened after the shooting of South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) former provincial chairperson, Timson Tshililo has been turned into a murder charge following his death on Friday.
Tshililo was hospitalised for nearly two weeks after he was reportedly shot and injured in Makwarela village, Vhembe district.
Provincial Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo informed Polokwane Observer this morning (Monday) that Tshililo was confirmed dead and the Police task team was now investigating a case of murder. He further stated that no arrests have been made at the stage, adding that the Police request anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to come forward.
Samwu provincial secretary Patrick Aphane indicated that Tshililo had died in hospital and would be laid to rest in Thohoyandou on Saturday. Aphane further said arrangements for the memorial service which is planned for Friday in Thohoyandou were still underway.
He said Tshililo’s death hurt the union members to the core and all they want is for the law to take its cause. Aphane informed that other union leaders fear for their lives, adding that they had met with the Police to discuss the safety of all Samwu leaders.
Samwu provincial deputy secretary Ronald Mani was fatally shot in Thohoyandou on 29 January. It was learnt that Mani was killed in cold blood just hours after attending a general meeting at the Vhembe District Municipality. Aphane stated that they were definitely convinced that the two shootings were related as both victims were employees of the district municipality and had been at the forefront of protest which led to the removal of mayors who illegally invested money with the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank. He concluded by saying the union believes that the killings were politically motivated.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
