UNATHI OBOSE
Members of South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) in Khayelitsha were reeling from the violent death of one of their leaders. They insist that the law take its proper course against the perpetrators.
Sonwabile Magida (41), a member of Sanco’s national executive committee (NEC), was shot at a car wash in Mfuleni on Saturday 22 March and died in hospital four days later.
Well-known local businessman and fellow Sanco member Mthetheleli Vellem, who is part of the funeral preparation committee, said the organisation condemned the killing of Magida, from whom much was expected.
He described Magida as a servant of the people, one who dedicated his life to serving others. “We are saddened by his death as we were expecting a lot from him. Magida grew up in the ranks of the ANC and Sanco. His death is not only a loss to his family but to the community generally.”
Vellem said it is believed the killing was orchestrated. He said Magida was with three friends when the incident occurred.
“The suspects shot four times. Three times they missed him, before the fourth bullet hit him in the forehead. His three companions were not harmed at all.”
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk confirmed the killing. He said on Saturday 22 March, at 23:18, officers attended a scene at Mfuleni car wash in which a 41-year-old male was shot and taken to a nearby hospital, and later transferred to another hospital where he died from his injuries.
“The matter was still under investigation and no arrest had been made,” said Van Wyk. “A case docket of murder is being investigated.”
Magida will be buried in Tsomo on Saturday 5 April.