Gugulethu councillor fears for his life after community leader's murder
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A Gugulethu councillor says he fears for his life after a ward committee member and ANC community leader was shot and killed outside his home on Friday night.
Zwelandile 'Tshuku' Mlambo, who served as an ANC leader in the Europe informal settlement, was fatally shot at the gate of councillor Bongani Ngcombolo's premises shortly after visiting him.
Ngcombolo recalled the chilling moments leading up to the murder. 'He came to my place and said he wanted to buy wine and would go to his place to get money. He came back and said he didn't get it, so I gave him R100. He left,' Ngcombolo said.
Minutes later, Ngcombolo heard Mlambo calling out to him, followed by a burst of gunfire.
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'He called my name just once, and then after that, there were three or four gunshots. He probably thought the gate was locked, but it wasn't. He was killed at the gate. I only went out when I thought it was safe to,' he said.
A witness confirmed that Mlambo had tried to open the gate when gunmen opened fire from behind, hitting him in the back before he turned around and was shot in the face. He died on the scene.
Ngcombolo said he suspects the attackers may have mistaken Mlambo for him.
'There are political differences in the ward, so one can never say what could have led to this. I no longer feel safe after what happened on Friday.'
The ANC's Dullah Omar regional leader, Ndithini Thyido, condemned the killing, describing it as a blow to the community and the organisation.
'We are disturbed by the senseless killing of community leader Tshuku. We are worried that this happened on the heels of the shooting of one of our members in Makhaza, Magibisela. We don't know if there is a connection,' Thyido said.
He called for specialised units in the Western Cape to investigate political killings, similar to those operating in KwaZulu-Natal.
'We make the call to Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile to look at whether the Western Cape can have specialised teams to deal with coordinated killings like this one. We wish to pass our condolences to Tshuku's family and the broader community of Ward 40. We also give our full support to Councillor Ngcombolo.'
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that Gugulethu detectives are investigating a murder case.
'Members were dispatched to the scene where, upon arrival, they found the body with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. The deceased was declared dead by paramedics on the scene. The motive forms part of a continued investigation, and the suspects are yet to be arrested,' said Pojie.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
The killing has heightened tensions in the area, with community members and leaders alike calling for justice and increased protection for those serving in local government structures.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
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