Government and eThekwini Municipality officials have called for the community to help police find the gunman involved in Thursday’s murder of Councillor Sibusiso Khwela.
The eThekwini Ward 17 Councillor was shot dead in his office in Klaarwater on Thursday by a lone gunman. The man was waiting in the queue outside Khwela‘s office. According to police, he then entered the office and shot Khwela.
Khwela was an ANC councillor since 2021, but was not standing as a candidate in the Local Government Elections scheduled for November.
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi said such acts were intended to instill fear within communities, particularly as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.
“Ward councillors are expected to carry out their responsibilities without fear of intimidation or violence for the betterment of our communities. We call on any community members who may have information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible to co-operate with the South African Police Service so that justice can be served for the Khwela family,” he said.
Council Speaker Thabani Nyawose described Khwela as a disciplined, selfless councillor who put the interests of the community ahead of his own. Nyawose said the incident comes at a time when councillors were nearing the end of their terms.
“We have lost a selfless leader, a champion for development and a true patriot who loved his community, prioritised its needs and served its people diligently. We are saddened that his life was cut short in the very office from which he rendered services to residents,” said Nyawose.
Zwakele Mncwango, ActionSA provincial chairperson, added that regardless of political affiliation, no public representative should ever lose their life while serving their community.
He said violence has no place in a democracy, and attacks on elected public representatives undermine not only the safety of those who serve, but also the democratic values upon which the country is built.
“ActionSA calls on all political parties and community leaders to reject political violence in all its forms and to work together in fostering peaceful engagement, respect and the rule of law,” he said.
eThekwini Councillor Jay Singh, representing the United Independent Movement (UIM), described Khwela as a humble, soft-spoken, and dedicated public servant. He added that Khwela always sought to get things done for the residents he represented
“He was passionate about his community and quietly went about the business of serving the people of Ward 17 with commitment and integrity. This senseless and brutal act of violence is an attack not only on a public representative, but also on the principles of democracy and public service,” Singh said.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) is investigating the matter.
“Given the team’s proven track record in investigating and resolving politically motivated murders, the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, has placed her full faith and confidence in the team’s expertise and capabilities,” Mathe said.
