Shock in Eastern Cape: ANC Councillor Mpho Mahleza Assassinated
In a tragic incident, Mpho Mahleza, a councillor for the ANC in Ward 3 in the Raymond Mhlontlo Municipality, was shot and killed outside his home in Polar Park, Bedford, last Thursday night. The 53-year-old was ambushed as he arrived home, and police in the Eastern Cape have launched an investigation into his death.
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ANC Councillor Assassinated: Details of the Shooting
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, the shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday. Mahleza was about to open the gate to his home in Polar Park township, Bedford, when shots were fired through the driver’s side window of his vehicle. Mahleza died at the scene from his gunshot wounds.
“He succumbed to death on the scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the investigation. No suspect has been arrested, and the police investigation is underway,” she said.
She urged anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the shooters to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or visit their nearest police station.
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Shock and Outrage from the Community and Colleagues
The ANC in the Eastern Cape expressed shock and outrage over Mahleza’s assassination. Party spokesperson Gift Ngqondi described Mahleza as a “gentle giant” who was deeply committed to serving the Bedford community.
“He was an inspirational leader and represented the cream of the crop of special public representatives that are developed by the movement to serve our communities. We have lost a dedicated comrade and a true revolutionary who served the community with dedication. His outstanding leadership skills will be sadly missed by many in the ANC,” he said.
Ngqondi also called on law enforcement to do everything possible to catch the “heartless and trigger-happy criminals” responsible for Mahleza’s death.
Tributes from Municipal Leaders
Raymond Mhlaba Municipality Speaker Thozama Ngaye also paid tribute to Mahleza, noting that he had been an essential part of the municipality since 2020.
“The loss of Mahleza is a significant blow to our community, as he was a diligent public servant committed to the welfare of Bedford and the broader municipal area,” she said.