The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Dada Morero has expressed concern over the spate of killings of ward councilors.

Morero was speaking in Naledi, Soweto, at the funeral of Thulani Buthelezi, a second ward councilor to have been fatally shot in less than two months.

Buthelezi was shot at his home early this month and died weeks later in hospital. It remains unclear at this stage why he was targeted.

Morero says as the City, they are looking at various measures to help ensure the safety of councilors.

The tragic murders of Cllr Thulani Buthelezi and Cllr Zakes Mathe, both from the African National Congress (ANC), are believed to be politically motivated, linked to rivalries, control over public resources, and/ or entanglement with criminal networks. pic.twitter.com/jvXiy1ObgG

— ActionSA JHB Caucus (@ActionSA_JHB) June 21, 2025

“It’s quite concerning that councilors are being targeted. Their families are not safe, especially the ones that live in the township. We cannot accept situations where councilors’ lives are put in danger because community members are angry about service delivery. We also suspect that these killings are linked to development projects. We had a meeting this week with all relevant stakeholders to try and establish solutions to these heinous crimes against our councilors.”

Memorial Service of Councillor Thulani Buthelezi.

ANC Gauteng PTT leaders as led by Convenor Cde Amos Masondo, Greater Johannesburg Region RTT, Councillors, SANCO leaders, family and community members have gathered at Naledi Hall to celebrate the life of Comrade Thulani… pic.twitter.com/zj3rSPN6Z1

— Gauteng ANC (@GautengANC) June 19, 2025