Elected officials and councillors in the Amajuba District have seen a disturbing increase in the number of attacks on public servants in recent weeks. The past month has seen three officials shot, some fatally, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security and justice.
In the most recent incident, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) PR Councillor A.E. Mkhwanazi was shot at in her home on Monday, 16 February. The councillor survived the ordeal and is currently in recovery.
Newcastle Municipality condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube said: “We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. While we are grateful that Councillor Mkhwanazi survived, such acts of violence threaten democratic governance and the safety of those who serve our communities. An attack on one councillor is an attack on democracy itself.”
The municipality confirmed that the matter has been formally reported to law enforcement authorities.
Mayor Dube said: “The Municipality is relying on the South African Police Service and relevant investigative agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought to book without delay.”
The escalation of violence was further underscored by an incident on Sunday, 14 February, when Mthokozisi Ndaba, a town planner with the Amajuba District Municipality, was fatally shot outside his Arbour Park home.
Amajuba SAPS spokesperson Constable Nonjabulo Langa confirmed that police responded to the scene and identified the victim. Despite the rapid arrival of emergency services, Ndaba succumbed to gunshot wounds to his pelvic area. Following a deployment of the Newcastle tracing team, the K9 unit and the District Rapid Task Team, two suspects were arrested on the N11 near Dannhauser, while two others managed to evade capture.
This spate of violence follows an earlier attack on 5 January, when Dr Dumisani Thabethe, senior executive director for co-operative services at Newcastle Municipality, and his two bodyguards were ambushed while travelling to work from Kilbarchan. Four armed suspects opened fire on their vehicle.
Constable Nonjabulo Langa said: “Following the shooting, Dr Thabethe and his guards sought assistance at nearby homes. Family members later arrived and transported all three men to Newcastle Mediclinic for medical treatment. Thabethe and both bodyguards sustained injuries but are expected to make a full recovery.“
Mayor Dube described the ambush as a “brazen and deeply disturbing criminal act” that strikes at the stability of local government. Municipal Manager Zamani Mcineka echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence that the police would ensure the perpetrators face the full might of the law.
