NO arrests have yet been made after the fatal shooting of eSikhaleni ward councillor Sifiso Mlambo on Wednesday.
The murder occurred between 7 and 8pm near a bus stop in the Mabuyeni area.
Mlambo (34), was ANC branch secretary for Empembeni (Ward 13) and a SANCO and SACP member.
After being shot five times, Mlambo was rushed to a local clinic where he succumbed to his wounds.
According to eSikhaleni SAPS spokesperson, Captain Thembinkosi Mkhumane, Mlambo was helping a neighbour with the delivery of building material when an unknown man shot him twice in the back before fleeing.
‘But when Mlambo tried to run away and fell down, the suspect returned and shot him twice in the head.
‘The suspect then jumped into a vehicle with no number plates and fled the scene.’
Mkhumane told the ZO that a case of murder is being investigated by the eSikhaleni SAPS.
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On Thursday morning ANC Musa Dladla Regional Chairperson, Ntombenhle Mkhulisi, together with uMhlathuze mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo, visited Mlambo’s family.
Speculation is rife about the motive for the killing, with some community members saying it was over a nutrition contract Mlambo had with a local school in the area.
Mkhulisi said at this stage it was too early to speculate whether the killing was politically motivated or personal.
‘We hope to meet with the lady whom Mlambo was helping, to get a better understanding of what actually happened.
‘He was involved in a number of activities within the community and was a hard working member.’
Mkhulisi said she was aware that someone had previously attempted to take Mlambo’s life.
‘He did speak to me about it, but he brushed it off and was not too concerned,’ she said.
Mlambo’s death follows that of Jozini ANC Councillor Njabulo Dlamini, who was stabbed on New Year’s Day at Alkantstrand.
On Friday morning the alliance leadership comprising of the ANC, SACP, COSATU and SANCO also visited members of Mlambo’s family in Empembeni.
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