THE murder of ANC councillor Phendukani Mabhida has left his family and the entire community in the Mandeni Municipality reeling from the loss and condemned his killingas a senseless act of violence.
Mabhida, 40, was assassinated at his home in Sundumbili, KwaZulu-Natal, an incident that has ignited calls for urgent police action to bring the perpetrators to justice. His 42-year-old relative was also shot but survived.
Musa Ngcobo, a close relative of Mabhida, said the family was devastated by his killing.
“We appeal to the police to arrest the people behind this brutal act. To see the people who killed our brother paying for their sins will bring closure to us as a family,” said Ngcobo, his voice heavy with grief.
He said the assailants stormed into Mabhida's home and shot him several times before fleeing. He died en route to the hospital.
Regarded as a champion for justice and fairness, Mabhida was elected to serve in Ward 18, where he was known for advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.
Ngcobo described him as a “fearless person who wanted everybody to be treated fairly at all times.”
His commitment to the community earned him the respect and admiration of his constituents, underlining the magnitude of this loss.
Mabhida’s killing comes on the back of the four people, including two off-duty police constables at a Tavern on Ikhwezi Road on Monday night.
The police launched a manhunt for five suspects who were allegedly behind the murders.
The Mayor of Mandeni Municipality, Thabani Mdlalose, reflected on Mabhida’s legacy, stating, “This is a sad incident that has left us shattered.” He hailed Mabhida’s dedication to put people first and his willingness to address community concerns directly.
The ANC has publicly expressed its outrage at the murder. In a statement released shortly after the news broke. The party condemned the cold-blooded nature of Mabhida's slaying, highlighting that he was killed at home by assailants posing as community members seeking assistance.
“As the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the Mabhida family following the murder of our dedicated member, comrade Phendukani Mabhida,” the statement read. The party emphasised the urgency for the arrest and conviction of the “heartless murderers”.
In an effort to assist the investigation, the ANC called upon the public to provide any information that might lead to the arrest of the criminals, declaring a united front against the escalating crime that has plagued their communities.
The sun has set on a respected leader, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill. As grief envelops the family, friends, and community of Phendukani Mabhida, calls for justice echo louder than ever, urging the police to act swiftly to bring the culprits to light.
Police spokesperson in KZN, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said: “Police in Sundumbili are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder following an incident in which a 40-year-old ward councillor was shot and killed and a 42-year-old relative was shot and injured during a shooting incident which happened on Tuesday night, at the victim’s homestead in Sundumbili.
“It is reported that two unknown suspects came to the victim’s home and asked for the councillor who was inside the house. When he came out, the suspects allegedly shot him. The relative intervened and she was also shot before the suspects fled the scene”.
Netshiunda said the victims were rushed to hospital where the councillor was declared dead on arrival. “A search for the suspects is underway. The motive of the killing is unknown at this stage”
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