The City of uMhlathuze Municipality is deeply concerned about the safety of its councillors following a disturbing incident involving the shooting of Ward 13 Councillor Lindokuhle Ndlovu. The incident occurred near his home in Mpembeni, eSikhaleni, outside Richards Bay, North of KwaZulu-Natal Province, last night at approximately 20:00.
City of uMhlathuze Mayor, Cllr Xolani Ngwezi, strongly condemns this failed attempt on Cllr Ndlovu’s life. It is disheartening that this incident has taken place just two weeks after the assassination of PR Councillor John Myaka within the City of uMhlathuze Municipality. Mayor Ngwezi urges law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned, in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In response to this concerning situation, Mayor Ngwezi has directed the Ciouncil Speaker Cllr Tobias Gumede and City Manager Mr Nkosenye Zulu to expedite the necessary processes to provide Cllr Ndlovu with bodyguards, as his life is evidently under threat. The Mayor also calls for a safety and risk assessment to be conducted for all councillors who have received threats in uMhlathuze, ensuring that appropriate measures are implemented to safeguard their well-being.
Today, the City of uMhlathuze City Manager, Mr Nkosenye Zulu, accompanied by the head of security, visited the home of Cllr Ndlovu and his family in Mpembeni on behalf of Speaker Cllr Tobias Gumede and Mayor Cllr Xolani Ngwezi. They conveyed their sincere condolences for this unfortunate situation and reassured the family that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the protection of Cllr Ndlovu. Mr Zulu strongly condemns the incident and assures Ndlovu’s family that the City will do everything within its power to ensure the safety of Cllr Ndlovu and all other councillors.
The City of uMhlathuze Municipality remains committed to the safety and security of its councillors and will collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly. The City will not tolerate any acts of violence or threats against its elected officials, and it will take all necessary measures to ensure their protection.
Our thoughts are with Cllr Ndlovu and his family during this challenging time, and we stand united in our determination to promote a safe and conducive environment for all public servants to fulfill their duties without fear.
End of Statement.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr Bongani Gina
City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager
071 217 3037
