Durban - A task team has been set up to investigate the shooting of three ANC members in Welbedacht, near Chatsworth in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Thursday.
“The task team has already started to make tremendous inroads in terms of identifying the possible suspects in this regard,” said provincial police spokesman Colonel Vincent Mdunge.
African National Congress councillor Mthembeni Shezi, branch deputy chairman Sbu Mpanza, and ward committee member Bulelani Mjoli were shot by two unknown gunmen on Wednesday night.
The gunmen entered a meeting held in a hall at Imbaliyethu High School and fired shots randomly.
Shezi 1/8also known as Msizeni Ximba 3/8 died at RK Khan Hospital at 9am.
Mdunge said the motive for the shooting was not known at this stage.
“We are issuing a warning to all these illicit criminals... we will act decisively, without shame and fear, to ensure that those who are responsible are brought to book and... rot in jail.”
Mpanza and Mjoli were in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Nomusa Dube has condemned the attack.
“These cowardly attacks are indeed an attack on the very democratic system of our government, as the victims are elected representatives,” Dube said in a statement.
She said the killing of councillors was now becoming a “disturbing trend”.
“If this cowardly use of violence on councillors is carried out with the intention to subvert the will of the people, it will not succeed.”
Dube called on the leadership of the area to work together to ensure peace and stability, and to resist any temptation to jump to premature conclusions.
Earlier, ANC provincial spokesman Senzo Mkhize issued a statement condemning the “despicable” attack, which was the latest in a series of apparently politically-motivated incidents.
“The ANC deeply condemns these killings, which seem to be well-organised,” he said.
“We condemn it, and we urge our law enforcement agencies to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.”
Shezi was a councillor and an ANC branch chairman.
Police are investigating a case of murder and two of attempted murder.
Dube sent condolences to the Shezi family. - Sapa