By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Collins Chabane Municipality mayor, Moses Maluleke, has been shot and killed at his home on Thursday.
His 18-year-son was wounded in the shooting incident.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said three gunmen entered Maluleke’s home in Saselamani village at 19:00.
“When the pair could not comply with the suspects’ instructions, they were allegedly shot at by the trio. The son was transported to a nearby hospital where he is receiving further medical care.
“A case of murder and attempted murder has been registered.”
Police have launched a 72-hour activation plan to apprehend the perpetrators.
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, on Friday directed Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, to mobilise maximum resources to apprehend those responsible for the murder.
The members of the public who know or may have witnessed what transpired are encouraged to report to the Saselamani Police station or call the Crime Stop Hotline number on 0860010111 to assist police investigations.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has called for the swift arrest of those responsible for the murder of Collins Chabane Local Municipality Mayor, Councilor Maluleke.
Dlamini Zuma said the she received the news of the attack with “deep shock”.
She said: “This tragic incident that cut the life of the Mayor short, also left his 18-year-old son wounded and is currently hospitalised.
“As an ardent community activist, Cllr Maluleke served with dedication in various capacities within the societal and political formation structures.”
The Minister said the Mayor’s untimely passing was a huge setback for the local government sector and for the work being undertaken especially following the 2021 Local Government Elections.
“He took an oath to serve and he was committed to changing the lives of communities through an effective and efficient functioning municipality that is able to deliver on its mandate. It is in this context that he has since his appointment worked with all stakeholders to address issues at the top of our communities’ agenda, “she said.
She conveyed condolences and sympathy to Maluleke’s family, his colleagues in local government, the people of the Collins Chabane municipality as well as the entire Limpopo province and the country. She described the death as a “terrible loss of an important servant of our people and a true community builder”.