According to Gert Sibande Disctrict Municipality (GSDM), the Speaker of Council, Cllr Busisiwe Sekhonde condemns the appalling violent killings faced by councillors in Mkhondo.
This follows the recent assassination of Cllr Sibonelo “Smile” Mthembu of Friday, 13 January 2023.
Cllr Mthembu was a Ward Councillor representing the ANC in Mkhondo Local Municipality.
According to police reports, Cllr Mthembu together with two acquaintances were gunned down mercilessly by three unknown gunmen in Piet Retief on Friday night, 13 January 2023.
The Speaker has expressed deep concern regarding these growing crime patterns which have happened in a space of no more than two months as this follows the recent killing of former Cllr Muzi Manyathi in Mkhondo.
The Speaker is of the stance that such criminal activities should not be tolerated, and trust is on the SAPS to put in place urgent interventions to deal with these crimes.
On behalf of GSDM Council, the Speaker sends condolences to all families affected.
The Speaker sends condolences also to the ANC and other political parties that worked with Cllr Mthembu, Mkhondo Municipality, friends, and the community at large.
“Justice must prevail and criminals must face the full wrath of the law,” said the Speaker in closing.
In November 2022, Mthembu took to social media after the murder of Cllr Muzi Manyathi accusing Vusi ‘Sgemegeme’ Motha of hiring ruthless assassins to eliminate them for removing him from power which statement was later retracted and sent out an apology to Motha.
