Tebogo Msimanga |
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting incident at Longhomes Township in Piet Retief whereby a Councillor, identified as Mr Sbonelo Mthembu (36) as well as two other males were gunned down last night, Friday 13 January 2023 around 20h00.
Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said according to the report, the three were shot at a certain yard in Mkhondo. “Further information indicates that the Councillor, as well as his mechanic, were dropped off by a friend who was driving a bakkie then soon appeared three armed men at the yard”.
Mdluli added that the the suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at the Councillor who was in the yard, and also fatally shot the friend who was still inside his bakkie. “The mechanic did not escape the shooting as he was shot by the same suspects whilst in the yard as well. Thereafter the three suspects fled to unknown direction”.
The Police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident whilst the Councillor and his mechanic were privately taken to a nearby hospital. The mechanic was unfortunately certified dead on arrival meanwhile the Councillor regrettably succumbed to his injuries moments later.
A case with three counts of murder was opened and the suspects are still at large. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
