ANC councillor and two others fatally shot in Mpumalanga

Friday’s fatal shooting in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, claimed the life of ANC ward councillor Sbonelo Mthembu, 36, and two others. The police in Mpumalanga are investigating the incident.

Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a police spokesperson, stated that the three deceased were shot and killed at a specific Mkhondo yard.

“A friend driving a bakkie dropped off the councilman and his mechanic before three armed men suddenly appeared in the yard.” According to Mdhluli, the suspects fired multiple bullets at the councillor who was in the yard and fatally shot his companion who was still in his bakkie.

The suspects shot and killed the mechanic before fleeing the site in a “unknown direction.”

“When police and medical personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered a man victim with a gunshot wound lying lifeless behind the steering wheel of a white bakkie. “At the scene, paramedics pronounced him dead,” Mdhululi added.

He continued, “The Piet Retief Police Department and paramedics were notified of the incident, and the councilman and his mechanic were privately transported to a nearby hospital.” Unfortunately, the technician was pronounced dead upon arrival, while the councilman succumbed to his injuries shortly later.”

Three counts of murder have been charged, but the suspects remain at large.

“Police ask anyone with information that could aid in apprehending the criminals to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. All information received will be kept strictly confidential, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.

“A dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the direction of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, to investigate this disheartening incident with the hope of swiftly bringing those responsible to justice,” said Mdhluli.