DURBAN - DETECTIVES from the Political Violence Task Team are investigating the murder of the speaker of the Amajuba District Municipality, Reginald Bhekumndeni Ndima.
Ndima, 58, was shot dead on Saturday night while arriving at his home in Newcastle.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said: “A family member saw an unknown vehicle fleeing the scene after the shooting. The victim was conveyed to a local hospital immediately after the incident; however he was declared dead on arrival.”
Naicker added that the police were appealing to anyone with information that could aid the investigation to come forward.
“Detectives from the Political Violence Task Team will be probing the incident. We appeal to anyone who may have information to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or report anonymously on the MySAPS app.”
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, an MP and the IFP’s national spokesperson, said Ndima, who was an IFP member, was elected speaker of Amajuba District Municipality after last year’s elections.
Hlengwa called Ndima a humble and responsible servant of the people.
“His untimely death is a loss for the people he served with integrity for 15 years as a councillor.”
Hlengwa added that the IFP extended its deepest and sincerest condolences to the Ndima family and the people of Amajuba District.
“The IFP is deeply shocked by this news and extremely worried about the continued killing of public representatives, especially councillors.”
KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Sipho Hlomuka expressed shock and sadness at Ndima’s murder.
“We were in Newcastle on Friday where we convened a special engagement with all the mayors, speakers and exco members from municipalities under Amajuba, uThukela and uMzinyathi. This engagement was attended by Ndima and we were looking forward to him making more contributions in the management of council matters,” Hlomuka said.
“This assassination comes while the province is mourning the murder of eThekwini ward 103 councillor Minenhle Mkhize.
“We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of councillor Ndima and appeal for calm among our communities.”
He called upon law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and put an end to attacks on public representatives.
THE MERCURY