Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), has demanded the immediate arrest of those guilty for the murder of Councilor Moses Maluleke, Mayor of Collins Chabane Local Municipality.
Three individuals are the focus of a manhunt that was started by police on Friday.
The mayor, 56, was fatally shot on Thursday night at his residence.
His son, age 18, suffered injuries as a result of the attack.
Police sources state that at around 7:00 p.m., three unidentified individuals broke into the Mayor’s house in Saselamani hamlet and demanded money from the late Maluleke and his son.
The trio allegedly opened fire on the pair when they were unable to follow the suspects’ directions.
Dlamini Zuma claimed that she was “very shocked” when she learned about the attack.
“This unfortunate occurrence that took the Mayor’s life too soon also left his 18-year-old son injured and is currently being treated in a hospital,” she said.
“Cllr Maluleke performed in a variety of positions within the societal and political formation structures with dedication as an ardent community activist.”
The Mayor’s unexpected death, according to the Minister, was a major blow for the local government industry and the work being done, particularly after the 2021 Local Government Elections.
“He took an oath to serve, and he was dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life by ensuring that the municipality was capable of carrying out its mandate.
He has collaborated with all stakeholders to solve the challenges at the top of our communities’ agenda since his appointment in this setting, she added.
She sent her sympathies to Maluleke’s family, his fellow local officials, the residents of Collins Chabane municipality, the entire Limpopo province, and the entire nation. She lamented the “sad loss of a significant servant of our people and a true community builder” in her statement about the passing.
I also pray that his son recovers quickly and grows stronger with each passing day.
She continued, “I further call on communities to collaborate with law enforcement officials to ensure that those responsible for this horrific act are captured and brought to justice to face the full might of the law. –