Durban - The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called for swift arrests after the killing of Ndaka municipal manager, Sinatra Khumalo, 53, who was gunned down by three unknown men on Thursday at Waaihoek, near Ladysmith.
It is alleged the assailants ambushed the manager of the National Freedom Party/ANC coalition-led municipality on his way home to Van Riebeeck Park from work. The motive for the killing is unknown.
ANC provincial secretary, Sihle Zikalala, condemned the killing. “He was a dedicated employee who restored the dignity of the Ndaka Municipality. We strongly condemn killing and call for the cops to bring the perpetrators to book,”
Zikalala described Khumalo as an impeccable leader who had a lot to offer in serving the people of South Africa. “We are concerned as the ANC because we are losing people whom we need in terms of competently providing services to the people.”
He would not be drawn into commenting on whether the killing was politically motivated. Khumalo was recently reinstated as the manager of the troubled municipality, which falls under Uthukela district, after his dismissal in April as a result of in-house squabbles.
Dudu Mazibuko, Uthukela district mayor, expressed her shock. “I can’t believe that Khumalo was killed in such a brutal manner.”
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, urged law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to ensure the culprits for this “callous murder” were brought to book soon.
Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, confirmed a case of murder had been opened at Ezakheni station.
Khumalo’s death comes at a time when the ANC is mourning the loss of Thulani Mashaba, the deputy mayor of uThungulu Municipality and chairman of the ANC’s Musa Dladla region on the North Coast.
He is being buried today in eMpangeni.
In a moving tribute at Mashaba’s memorial service on Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma described him as a straightforward ANC cadre who unconditionally upheld the values and principles of the ANC.
“We are thankful for his deeds in the youth league, Musa Dladla region and all the structures he served on. He was all about unity. He did not pretend and he spoke his mind without fear of reprisals,” Zuma said to the applause of mourners.
Sunday Tribune