The African National Congress (ANC) is mourning the sudden demise of two of their vibrant councillors, who were fatally shot and killed at the Kariega in Nelson Mandela Bay on Monday.
Andile Andries and the party’s regional executive committee member and branch secretary Lubabalo Keso were shot dead outside Andries’ home in KwaNobuhle, Kariega.
The sad incident occured only few days before the Eastern Cape elective conference.
“We are still trying to gather details about the incident. We are not sure whether it is taxi-related or it has something to do with the ANC. We will be able to comment further once we have full details,” SANTACO chairman in the Eastern Cape, Zola Bishop Yolelo said.
Investigations are on-going to unveil the murderers who were reported to have opened fire on the councillors from a passing minibus taxi.
ANC regional secretary in Mandela Bay, Luyolo Nqakula, described the incident as “shocking” and “traumatising.”
“The reasons behind this heinous crime are unknown at this stage, but we are calling on law enforcement agencies to dispense of all investigations with a matter of urgency so arrests can be made,” he said.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the incident which took place at mid day on May 1, through spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana.
“According to the report, the 45-year-old Councillor was coming out of his house together with the 41-year-old male secretary at the time of the incident.
“It is further alleged that as they approached their vehicle, a Quantum minibus drove towards them and began firing several shots thereby killing them at the scene. The Quantum vehicle sped off after the incident. The number of the suspects in the drive-by shooting Quantum is not known at this stage,” Kinana said.
Eastern Cape Premier and ANC provincial convenor Oscar Mabuyane, condemned the murders, while extending his condolences to the families of the deceased.
Mabuyane described the killing as a case of clear assassination. He called on all to rise up to end the trend of criminal killings, adding that the organisation cannot continue to “habour criminals.”
At the time of filing this report, there were no details regarding what led to the assassination of the councillors.
Information pertaining the incident and the suspects can be reported to to the police station or Crime Stop can be reached on 0860010111.