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The ANC in eThekwini Region has noted developments regarding the case of Umlazi ANC Ward 80 councillor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza. He was arrested late last year together with his brothers – Nkosingiphile, Phumlani Nojiyeza and Sandile Mvelase in connection with the murder of ANC councilor Cde Sbu Maphumulo from Ward 88 in V Section, Umlazi.  

Cde Sbu was killed while sitting in his car in the evening by two assailants who ran away. The ANC learned with shock that before his death, some people had threatened to burn down his house.

The case has been struck off court roll due to insufficient evidence linking Nojiyeza and his co-accused to the murder of Cde Sbu Maphumulo.  According to the court, state witnesses have also withdrawn their statements

As ANC in eThekwini Region we reiterate our calls for the leadership in government to deploy a team of experts to work with the Hawks to investigate the murder of Cde Sbu Maphumulo, Cde Thulani Nxumalo who was the branch chairperson in Ward 12 in KwaNdengezi and many other comrades who have died under mysterious circumstances.

We further reiterate that a team of ballistic experts need to be assigned to ensure the gathering of evidence and to carry spot examinations of all firearms, including licensed firearms in all crime scenes. We have stated in the past that a sophisticated technology must be utilized to conduct touch DNA and fingerprinting on firearms and dangerous weapons and other exhibits found at crime scenes.

We commend police for the arrest of suspects in connection with the murder of Constable Sonto Mhlanga and Seargent Fana Dladla who were doing councillor protection duties at residence of eThekwini Councillor Boxer Zulu in Bhambayi near Phoenix .  The barbaric action of the suspects, who shot and killed law enforcement officers at close range and taking their firearms, calls all communities to unite and protect our freedom. Our freedom is threatened each time a member of the community is murdered or robbed.

As the ANC in eThekwini Region we are further call upon all ANC volunteers to continue to mobilize communities to stand up against any form of crime. We must intensify the fight against crime, in all its manifestations - from the unacceptable level of murders, assaults, robberies, high-jacking to domestic violence.  The culture of impunity should not be tolerated in this region.  

The state needs to show all criminals who is in charge. We are calling upon our courts to, at all times, teach murderers a lesson that our country is not a banana republic. Members of the community must unwaveringly work with the police and isolate criminals. We will be watching this case of the murder of law enforcement officers closely up until its final stages. We send our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues.

In conclusion, we are calling upon both KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Lucky Mkhwanazi and Head of Metro Police Steve Middleton to implore law enforcement agencies to be firm and act decisively to continue to root out rogue elements that are behind the killing of leaders and innocent members of society in our region.

Issued by Secretary of ANC EThekwini Region