ANC Deputy Chairperson in the Gert Sibande Municipality Muzi Manyathi was shot multiple times at close range on Friday. Photo: Xolani Lindeleni Chauke and Mweli Deejay Masilela / Facebook
‘Prominent’ political figure and PR Councilor SHOT and killed
Muzi Manyathi, the Deputy Chairperson of the ANC in Gert Sibande Municipality was shot dead while making his way out of a fuel station.
ANC Deputy Chairperson in the Gert Sibande Municipality Muzi Manyathi was shot multiple times at close range on Friday. Photo: Xolani Lindeleni Chauke and Mweli Deejay Masilela / Facebook
Following the news of the fatal shooting of the Deputy Chairperson of the ANC in Gert Sibande Municipality, Muzi Manyathi, the SAPS are examining security footage.
Manyathi was shot and killed at a fuel station in Mkondo
The South African Police Service (SAPS) described Manyathi as a ‘prominent political figure and PR Councilor’.
He was sadly shot and killed at a fuel station in Mkondo (Piet Retief), Mpumalanga. The incident occurred at around 18:30 on Friday, 4 November.
EWN reports that Manyathi was not only shot multiple times but was also shot at close range.
The getaway vehicle was found abandoned
Security footage from the horrific incident shows a man getting out of a Mercedes-Benz with a firearm in tow.
Reports confirmed that the getaway vehicle was found – it was abandoned near a dam.
The SAPS stated that the number plates on the getaway seemed to not be authentic. Preliminary investigations indicate that the car was stolen in April this year in Gauteng.
Manyathi was reportedly on his way out of the fuel station’s kiosk after making a purchase. There he was faced with the shooter.
“The police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were notified about the said incident however Manyathi was unfortunately certified dead at the scene. A murder case is being investigated,” said the SAPS.
Gert Sibande regional chair says Manyathi’s killing seems to be a case of assassination
Xolani Shozi, the ANC’s Gert Sibande regional chair says Manyathi’s death seems to be a case of assassination.
He further called for calm and restraint from the general membership of the congress movement.
“It does appear to be a case of assassination…as the ANC in the Gert Sibande region, we are calling for calm and for restraint from the general membership of the congress movement,” said Shozi.
Although no arrests have yet been made, police confirmed that they are working around the clock.
They have urged anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to come forward.
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