Mhluzi Extension 7 councillor Monty Phetla is feeling lucky to be alive after an attempted assassination last Thursday.

The victim’s sister contacted the Middelburg Observer after the attempted hit on her brother’s life occurred at around 18:00.

Phetla said he was at his home with another person when two men walked into the house, one wearing a balaclava.

The two men asked who Monty was, Phetla responded, and the man in the balaclava pulled out a gun that looked like a 9mm.

He said a struggle ensued, and he managed to fight off one of the men and flee the house.

According to Phetla, there was a third suspect parked outside in a grey VW Polo.

He ran in the opposite direction to the vehicle, and the suspects attempted to chase after him in the car, but couldn’t make a U-turn.

Phetla managed to flee to some neighbours and called the police.

He said he does not know what the motive behind the attack was or why he was targeted.

Phetla said the incident left him rattled and feeling uneasy, since he works for the community.

He added that he is grateful for the efforts by community members who frequently patrol around his home since the incident.

A case was opened at the Mhluzi Police Station, and investigations are underway.