A 36-year-old Umuziwabantu municipal employee was shot and killed while on duty in Harding last Thursday.
Firefighter, Phumlani Theophilus Mzotho was responding to a call-out with a colleague in a municipal vehicle when unknown gunmen opened fire on them.
Mzotho worked under the Community Services Department and was employed by the Umuziwabantu Municipality.
Police spokesperson, Captain Petros Mpinge said Harding Saps has opened a case of murder after police responded to a scene last Thursday at about 17:00 at Greenfields in Harding. “Mzotho was found dead inside his bakkie. He had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.”
Sihle Bruce Jalubani, Manager Mayoralty and Communications at Umuziwabantu Municipality, confirmed that Mzotho was a municipal employee and was gunned down while on duty.
“Mzotho and his colleague were travelling in a municipal vehicle when unknown gunmen opened fire on them. Mzotho died at the scene, while his colleague managed to escape. The two workers were responding to a call-out and unfortunately did not make it to their destination. Everyone in the municipality is in shock and many are traumatised by the incident, especially those who worked closely with Mzotho. As part of the municipality’s Employee Assistance Programme, colleagues of the deceased will undergo trauma counselling to assist them as they deal with their loss. We extend our sincere condolences to the Mzotho family, his friends and colleagues.”
The municipality has also called on its staff and members of the public, not to speculate but to allow law enforcement authorities to do their work.
A memorial service will be held at the Harding town hall today (Thursday). Meanwhile, police confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that no arrests had been made.
Residents have called on police to provide more visible policing in the Harding area. The call for immediate help by the Harding community comes after several people were murdered in a week in July.
“The death toll just rises and nothing is being done,” said one concerned resident.
Those killed in July this year include taxi operators, drivers, innocent bystanders and a police officer who was gunned down in broad daylight by alleged hitmen.
To date, police have not confirmed if any arrests have been made.
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