By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
The African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga has released a statement calling for the swift arrest of the perpetrators following the killing of Gert Sibande Regional Deputy Chairperson Muzi Manyathi .
“We are calling on all ANC members to exercise restraint and allow the law enforcement agencies to perform their duties without any hindrances.
“We demand justice for Cde Muzi Manyathi and with humility, we send our deepest heartfelt condolences to the Manyathi family. Our prayers are with them in this difficult time of grief and mourning. We want to send a strong message that our revolution cannot be derailed by cowards, senseless and barbaric people who are killing our members and leaders,” it said in a statement.
Manyathi was shot dead at a petrol station in Piet Retief on Friday evening around 6.30pm.
This comes just one week after ANC member Norman Ngwenya was killed in the Kanyamazane township last weekend.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, two men in a Mercedes-Benz were seen moving from one fuel pump to another without refilling while Manyathi was buying something from the kiosk.
“One of the male suspects in the Mercedes-Benz got out and began to fire multiple shots at Manyathi at a close range before jumping back in the car and fleeing the scene.
“The police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were notified about the said incident, however, Manyathi was unfortunately certified dead at the scene. A murder case is being investigated.” said Mdhluli.
The vehicle that the suspects were using was later found abandoned next to a dam.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the number plates on the vehicle seemed not to be authentic and it was discovered that the said car was reported stolen in April this year in Brakpan in the Gauteng Province.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has since assembled a team of experts in the field of investigation to probe the case,” he said.
The police have also urged that anyone with any information to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSapp.