The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape is shocked over the brutal murder of Councillor Mkhululi Khonza, Qumbu Mhlontlo Local Municipality Ward 23 councillor. His funeral will take place on September 2, at Balasi Administrative Area in Qumbu.
According to the ANC Provincial Head of Communications in the Eastern Cape Province, Gift Ngqondi, he was shot and killed on August 22, on the way home at his village in Qumbu.
“We strongly condemn this brutal killing of our public representative, as it has no place in our democracy.
“We call on all relevant law enforcement agencies to intensify their work to hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to book to the full extent of the rule of law.
“We pledge our solidarity and convey our heartfelt condolences to the Khonza family, relatives, comrades and loved ones. We lower our banner in honour of his passing in the service of the people,” said Ngqondi.
Police spokesperson warrant officer, Majola Nkohli, confirmed that police are investigating two shooting incidents in Qumbu that claimed three lives, including Khonza.
Nkohli said that in the first incident it is alleged that on August 22, around 18:00, two people in a Toyota double-cab who were travelling on a gravel road at Balasi locality in Qumbu were fatally shot in what is believed was a drive-by shooting.
The deceased are Bandla Xhentsa (47) and Lindani Dube (27). According to the source, Xhentsa was a well-known horse owner who used to win in the racehorse industry and was travelling with his jockey, Dube, when the incident happened.
It is alleged that he was coming to fetch his horse from Qumbu town when the attack took place, but police did not reveal this.
“It is further said that the suspects were travelling in a Toyota Fortuner. The circumstances surrounding the incident are sketchy, but the police are following all leads. Both were declared dead at the scene,” said Nkohli.
He confirmed that on the same day a local ward councillor, Mkhululi Khonza (48), was fatally shot inside his vehicle under unknown circumstances, just a few kilometres outside Qumbu towards Balasi Administrative Area.
Majola said that he was declared dead at the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding these two incidents is underway.
