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THE KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has strongly condemned the shooting of four striking Willowton Logistics employees in the early hours of yesterday morning (06 July 2015) in Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg.

Reports suggest that May Mofokeng and Alfred Malinga were shot dead while Themba Mvelase and Christian Masisi were shot and injured. The men were sleeping in vehicles on a field near the Mountain Rise Police Station, when they were attacked by gunmen.

Reports indicate that the men are part of a group of about 20 truck drivers who have been protesting outside the Willowton Logistics offices for the past month.  It is alleged that the workers would protest during the day and later on retire to sleep in their bakkies on the field.

The workers were in three vehicles on the field, 20 meters away from the police station when gunmen opened the canopy and shot them. Malinga and Mofokeng died at the scene while two Mvelase and Masisi were injured.

After hearing the gunshots, the occupants in the third vehicle fled to the Mountain Rise police Station and the gunmen sped off. The motive for the attack is unknown but police investigations are on-going.

Today (07 July 2015), Mchunu expressed anger, shock and deplored this despicable attack, appealing to anyone who might have any information that might lead to arrests of those responsible to come forward immediately.

“I am deeply shocked by these callous shootings which resulted in two murders and injury of two workers. The attack is totally abhorrent, senseless and inhumane. We strongly condemn the attack and we will follow it until there are arrests and convictions.

“I would like to call on the community and the workers to give police an opportunity to work on this matter so that those responsible for this act will be brought to justice.
“I am assured that members of the police are working around the clock to ensure that those who are responsible for these cold-blooded murders are brought to justice as soon as possible,” said Mchunu.

Mchunu also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those in hospital.

He has also called on the striking workers and the company to meet and settle their differences amicably.

Issued by KZN Provincial Government