KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has condemned the brutal murder of a sitting councillor in the eThekwini metro which took place last night in uMlazi.
Reports received by the department indicate that Cllr Bheki Phungula, who is eThekwini Ward 84 councillor, was brutally killed in his home in uMlazi last night by unknown assailants. This heinous act comes at a time when the province and country are facing a medical emergency which requires all public representatives, including councillors, to join in the fight to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“The loss of yet another foot soldier leaves a void in the sphere of local government in our province. An attack on councillors by forces that are hell-bent on undermining the democratic institution of local government within our province will never be tolerated. We therefore call upon the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to find the perpetrators of this cowardly act so that they can face the full might of the law,” said Hlomuka.
Hlomuka has expressed condolences to Phungula’s family and his colleagues in the eThekwini metro. Hlomuka has also called upon community members to come forward with any information they may have that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Hlomuka will be visiting the Phungula household this afternoon at 14:00 to pay his respects.