The African National Congress (ANC) Moses Mabhida region in KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the tragic loss of Mzwandile “Nganono” Shandu, a member and councillor of the Mkhambathini municipality. ANC councillor was fatally shot dead in Umlazi on Wednesday afternoon. Another councillor from the same municipality, who was with Shandu at the time, was injured in the incident and rushed to the hospital.
Shandu had reportedly survived an attempt on his life last month while attending a traditional ceremony in Umbumbulu, south of Durban. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
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ANC councillor shot dead
Samorah Ndlovu, ANC regional secretary, expressed shock at these barbaric killings, especially considering they occurred just weeks after an attempt on Shandu’s life and the shooting of councillor Mabhungu Mkhize from the same region. Ndlovu expressed hope that law enforcement agencies would work tirelessly to ensure the prompt arrest of the perpetrators.
Security Measures for Shandu
TimesLIVE reported that the council had been planning to secure bodyguards for Shandu while awaiting a SAPS threat analysis. This had been discussed in a special council meeting. Earlier this year, a bodyguard attached to the council’s speaker was shot dead.
Tributes to Shandu
Mkhambathini mayor Nhlakanipho Ntombela expressed sadness over Shandu’s killing. Shandu served as chairperson of the municipal public accounts committee (MPAC) and was described as a hard worker dedicated to serving the community of ward 7. Before becoming a councillor, he had worked at Toyota in Isipingo.
Ndlovu added that Shandu would be remembered as humble and someone who was true to the aspirations of their people. He served the community of ward 7 with respect, dedication, and utmost excellence since taking office in 2016.
The police have yet to comment on this matter.