Joburg council chief whip wounded, Rand Water executive killed in shooting

29th January 2024 By: News24Wire

Johannesburg council chief whip Sithembiso Zungu was wounded, and two other people were killed in a shooting at a Rand Water event in Zakariyya Park on Monday. 

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said several suspects entered the hall and opened fire before fleeing.

"Two people were declared dead on the scene while three others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

"The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage," Nevhuhulwi added.

Council speaker Margaret Arnolds said Zungu, who had been attending to "official council business", was receiving medical attention.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Rand Water said one of its executives was among the dead.

Its spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo, added the incident happened during one of Rand Water's back-to-school campaigns.

"Rand Water's policy prohibits the organisation from releasing the employee's name without the family's consent.

"As an organisation, we ask the media to please respect the highly sensitive nature of this incident," Maroo said.