Nyanga police registered a murder case for investigation after an African National Congress (ANC) proportional representation (PR) councillor gunned down at Crossroads on Tuesday 4 February.
The provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and said the Nyanga officers attended a shooting incident at the Old Crossroads Community Hall in Crossroads.
“Upon the officer’s arrival the body of the 48-year-old man was found lying near the entrance of the hall. According to reports there was a community meeting and after the meeting the deceased discussed certain issues with the community members when two males entered and approached the deceased and shot him,” said Van Wyk adding that culprits fled the scene in a white Toyota Avanza with no registration numbers.
Van Wyk said suspects are unknown. “Nothing was taken from the deceased. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined,” said van Wyk.
Community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity said the community is devastated by the incident. He described Lazola Gungxe (PR councillor) as the people’s person. He said he dedicated his life to working for the community.
“We are shocked by the incident. And this is not the first time our councillors have been killed in this ward. In 2018 our former councillor Elese Depouche was killed. He was followed by councillor Nokuthula Bolitye in 2021 and now is Gungxe. And we are asking ourselves who is going to follow now,” he said. He said the whole area is tense.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Dullah Omar Region spokesperson Akhona Jonginamba is devastated to confirm the tragic shooting and untimely death of one of our dedicated councillors in Old Crossroads.
“The ANC sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and comrades of the fallen Councillor. We call for calm and allow the law to take its course. We are in communication with the relevant authorities as a full investigation is underway. At this time of profound shock and grief, our primary focus is on providing support to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the community,” said Jonginamba.
