Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, has expressed serious concern about the rising attacks and murders of municipal employees in the province.

This follows the murder of Msinga Local Municipality Fire Department chief, Khalesakhe Mchunu, in Fabeni, Msinga, on Monday and several others that occurred in recent weeks. 

Buthelezi said the incidents are disturbing and demands immediate attention from law enforcement agencies. 

The recent incident is one of several that have occurred in the last 30 days. 

On July 3, an eThekwini Municipality official was killed and others were injured after gunmen opened fire on their vehicle. On June 27, Nokulunga Mashabane, 32, was found with a gunshot wound in KwaDukuza. 

“I am deeply concerned by these developments, which unfortunately suggest a worrying trend that must be nipped in the bud,” Buthelezi said. 

“These attacks on public servants who are dedicated to serving our communities are unacceptable and undermine the very fabric of local governance.” 

Buthelezi has issued an urgent plea to law enforcement agencies, urging them to conduct comprehensive investigations into these heinous crimes and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

“No stone should be left unturned in bringing those responsible to account,” Buthelezi said. 

He also urged municipalities to bolster existing measures to safeguard employee well-being and safety.

Buthelezi extended his condolences to the families affected by the senseless acts of violence and reiterated his call for swift justice for the victims.

Meanwhile, conveying condolences to Mchunu’s family, Msinga Municipality mayor Dr Felinkosi Sikhakhane said: “I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Msinga Municipality, and the entire community, to extend our condolences and feelings of solidarity with the Mchunu family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of Khalesakhe Mchunu.

“Mchunu’s passing, a highly regarded fire department manager in Msinga, (leaves) us with a deep sense of sadness. His family has lost a son, the community has lost a loyal employee, the municipality has lost a dedicated officer, and the entire nation has lost a hero.”

Sikhakhane said Mchunu’s death has left a void that will never be filled, as he was brutally shot in the Fabeni area on Monday. 

“As the community, we need to remember him for the good he did, for the unconditional service he rendered, and for the love he had for the community and the management of municipal affairs,” Sikhakhane continued. 

“I encourage you to find comfort in the hands of God, and remember that Khalesakhe’s spirit will always live on in his good works and in the good memories he left behind.”

KZN police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said Msinga police are investigating a murder case after an incident where a 46-year-old man was shot dead in his vehicle on Monday. 

“Reports indicate that the victim was on his way home when he was ambushed by unknown people who fired shots at him and sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” Magwaza said.      

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, he stated.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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