GMM Speaker claims ward councillor’s murder was not politically motivated
Govan Mbeki Municipality provided the murdered Simphiwe Sindelo with security services for two months after the first assassination attempt in September 2022.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) speaker, Fikile Magagamela, revealed to the media the murders of Clr Simphiwe Sindelo (40) and Fezile Nogwaya (61), a ward committee member, were not politically motivated.
Sindelo and Nogwanya died in hospital, after being shot several times by unknown suspects on December 3.
Magagamela said during a media briefing at the municipal council chamber on December 5, the council was aware of the first assassination attempt and decided Sindelo should have a place of safety for two months.
“We moved Sindelo and his family from their home in eMbalenhle and provided them with the services of a security company to ensure the protection of the family.
“Sindelo’s assassination was not politically motivated and had nothing to do with politics; it is something we do not even know.
“We provided correct protection measures as a council. After an assessment, we reached a consensus that Sindelo was safe, and we removed the law enforcement agency.
“Sindelo also informed us he was safe and there were no more threats,” said Magagamela.
She said Sindelo also told the law enforcers he was safe, and the assessment report findings confirmed he was no longer in danger.
Magagamela said there are presently no safety measures in place for councillors because the last council meeting of the year was on November 30, and the council closed for the year.
“I believe that would be done when the council returns next year,” said Magagamela.
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