Durban — Abatho Batho Congress (ABC) in KwaZulu-Natal has called on eThekwini Municipality to beef-up security around its president, Philani Mavundla, who is also the city’s deputy mayor, following the murder of his bodyguard.
Inspector Xesibe Lothe, who was a metro police officer, was guarding Mavundla as deputy mayor. He was shot and killed on Wednesday night.
The ABC provincial leader Bonga Nzuza told the Daily News on Sunday that the party was concerned about Mavundla’s safety after the incident and called on the city to increase his security detail.
Nzuza said: “If people kill your dog it clearly means you were the target because the dog was disturbing them or was in their way to find you,” adding it was possible that Mavundla could be attacked very soon.
“We are very much concerned about our president’s safety so we view the killing of his bodyguard as a clear attempt on his life. So we call on the police to take the killing of councillors seriously and the municipality must increase our leader’s protectors,” said Nzuza.
According to Mavundla and the metro police, the bodyguard was killed while entering his home in Umgababa south of Durban after dropping Mavundla off at his home.
In a statement issued by Mavundla on the weekend, he expressed his shock and sadness over the killing. He said he was shocked when he received a call from the family informing him about the incident. Mavundla said his protector had just arrived home after dropping him from the ratepayers’ meeting in Glenwood, which finished at around 8pm.
“I wish to relay my heartfelt condolences to the late bodyguard’s wife and children as well as his colleagues at eThekwini metro police.
“Lothe was a kind and down-to-earth man who loved his family and an important member of society who served his country by dedicating his life to the police force and ensuring the safety of those he looked after in his work as a VIP protector,” said Mavundla.
He added that the murder had raised a lot of questions and further raised concerns for his safety. He urged the law enforcement authorities to work tirelessly in ensuring that the perpetrators were brought to book.
His wife, who did not want to give out her name, said her husband had no enemies the family were aware of.
Metro police spokesperson Superintendent Boysie Zungu said for now it looked like it was a robbery but police were still investigating. He said his service firearm was taken but the municipality vehicle was not taken.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Gwala said a case of murder was being investigated by Umkomaas SAPS after the body of a 46-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds to the body next to his vehicle at Umgababa. She said his firearm was also taken.
“The matter is still under investigation. We are appealing to anyone who might have information about the suspects involved to contact their local police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said Gwala.
Although the killing was still being treated as just a robbery, guarding of politicians who are continuously targeted in the province could also affect those guarding them, according to the ABC.
The killing, although not politically related for now, followed the murder of ANC ward 14 branch chairperson Cassim Phiri, who was gunned down after a branch meeting last week.
What is also noticeable in Lothe’s killing was the modus operandi, which appeared to be similar to the killing of politicians as most of them were killed while returning from meetings and entering their homes.
In September alone, the ANC lost three councillors.
Mnqobi Molefe, who was the councillor for ward 99 in Umkomaas, was shot and killed. Following his murder, ward 11 KwaMaphumulo councillor Zakhele Khuzwayo was killed.
IFP Msinga councillor Siyanda Magubane was also recently gunned down.
Daily News