Brits - ANC activist Thabo Moroa was gunned down at his house in Maboloka outside Brits in the early hours of Saturday morning, his family said.
His cousin and family spokesperson Aaron Moroa said the 35-year-old activist was shot three times, once in each thigh and once in the heart.
“Three men wearing balaclavas jumped over the wall, broke a window and gained entry into the house. They went into Thabo's bedroom, attacked him while he was asleep. They fought up to the kitchen where they shot him in the heart. He died at the scene.”
Aaron Moroa said another man, who was Thabo's helper, was shot twice in the back. “He jumped out of the window to seek help, but one of the gunmen shot him in the back twice. He is in critical condition in hospital.”
He said the family could not link Thabo’s death with his political activities. “Thabo was involved in politics and vocal but we cannot say his death was linked to his political life. The gunmen were heard demanding tenders from him. We do not know for sure whether it was a hit or criminal activity.”
A laptop and cellphones were stolen from Moroa's house.
In April this year, there was a burglary at his home, computers were stolen, his cousin said.
The SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) said on Monday that Thabo Moroa was a great leader, while at the same time denying that his murder was politically motivated.
“Comrade Moroa was a great leader, a disciplined member who always respects the organisation's protocol,” said Sanco Bojanala region chairperson Diale Diale.
“Let us allow the police investigate this matter and arrest the perpetrators.”
He said Moroa's death was not related to his political activities or the selection of candidates for the upcoming local government elections.
“Ward four in Madibeng never experienced any problems during the list conference in actual fact the ward councillor candidate was elected unopposed. We do not believe this was a hit,” said Diale.
At the time of his death, Thabo was the branch secretary of Sanco in Maboloka. He had asked Sanco to relieve him of his duty as branch secretary due to his workload at the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Diale said.
North West police said they were investigating a case of murder, house breaking with intent to commit murder, and attempted murder.
Moroa is survived by his wife and two daughters, aged eight and two.
He will be buried on Saturday in Maboloka. His memorial service will be held on Thursday.
African News Agency