A senior Newcastle, KZN, municipal official and two bodyguards were shot at and injured yesterday morning while driving to work.

Northern Natal News reports that Mthandeni Myende, municipal communications officer, says the vehicle they were travelling in came under fire shortly after leaving the official’s home in Kilbarchan.

While the official was not named, Myende says he is a senior executive director for corporate services.

All three are being treated for injuries.

Myende confirmed that SAPS is investigating the shooting.

“At this stage, no motive has been established and no arrests have been made. The municipality will not entertain speculation, conjecture or the politicisation of this criminal act while investigations are underway,” Myende says.

Newcastle mayor councillor D.X. Dube strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious threat to local governance.

“This is a brazen and deeply disturbing criminal act that strikes not only at an individual, but at the integrity and stability of local government,” says Dube.

“The municipality remains fully functional, governance is intact and service delivery will continue without disruption.”

The municipality says it is providing the necessary institutional support to the affected official and appealed to ‘the public, media and social media users to respect the privacy and dignity of the official’s family and colleagues during this period’.

Municipal manager Zamani Mcineka also condemned the attack, expressing confidence in law enforcement agencies.

“We have full confidence in the police to investigate this matter thoroughly, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full might of the law,” he says.

Municipal leadership issued a warning against ‘the circulation of unverified information, speculation or the sharing of sensitive images or footage related to the incident, cautioning that such actions are irresponsible, could undermine investigations and may carry legal consequences’.

“Updates on the investigation will be provided via official platforms,” Myende says.

“The municipality reiterates its unwavering commitment to institutional stability, the rule of law and the uninterrupted delivery of services to the people of Newcastle,” he adds.

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