Phendukani Mabhida. | Facebook
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed its ‘disgust’ over the murder of its councillor in Mandeni, north of Durban, after the killers pretended to be community members needing his intervention.
In a statement, the ANC KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo expressed the party’s condolences to ward councillor Phendukani Mabhida’s family.
The community loved the Mandeni Local Municipality Ward 18 councillor for his hard work.
Mtolo said the ANC KZN is in contact with the ANC General Gizenga Mpanza Region leadership and plans are under way to ensure Mabhida’s family is visited following his death.
“We are disgusted to learn that he was brutally murdered at his house by unknown criminals who pretended to be community members who sought his intervention,” Mtolo said.
“We trust that police will hunt down the heartless murderers and ensure that they are arrested, convicted and given a hefty sentence that will ensure that they rot in jail.
“We state this because we are currently witnessing the sterling work of law enforcement agencies under the leadership of Senzo Mchunu as the Police Minister and KZN Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi,” Mtolo continued.
He said the party is encouraged each time a team of ballistic experts is assigned to gather evidence and spot examinations of cartridges found on the crime scene.
“In particular, the evidence gathered following the killing of Comrade Phendukani Mabhida will be crucial in linking the heartless murderers to this barbaric act,” Mtolo said.
Mtolo said ANC KZN urges everyone to help police with information that will lead to the arrest of Mabhida’s killers.
“Crime is one of the challenges we must fight collectively.”
He added that they fought to dismantle apartheid because they wanted to live in a free and democratic state. It is now evident that unless drastic measures are taken, crime poses a significant threat to our democracy and freedom.
“We are encouraging police to continue to act firmly against criminals who are terrorising communities,” Mtolo said.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Sundumbili police are investigating murder and attempted murder cases after a 40-year-old ward councillor was shot and killed, and a 42-year-old relative was shot and injured during a shooting incident at the victim’s homestead at Mhambuma Res in Sundumbili.
“It is reported that two unknown suspects came to the victim’s home and asked for the councillor who was inside the house. When he came out, the suspects allegedly shot him. The relative intervened and she was also shot before the suspects fled the scene,” Netshiunda said.
“The victims were rushed to the hospital where the councillor was certified dead on arrival.”
Netshiunda added that the motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
Mabhida’s murder comes a day after four people were shot and killed at a tavern in Sundumbili.
According to police, at least five suspects allegedly shot and killed four people, including two off-duty police constables, and injured four others at a tavern in Ikhwezi Road at Bhidla Section in Sundumbili on Monday night.
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