Tributes have poured in for a councillor who was shot and killed on Thursday, (August 6), in Klaarwater near Mariannhill, reports Highway Mail.

The eThekwini Municipality’s Speaker of Council Thabani Nyawose paid tribute to the councillor, Sibusiso Khwela, during a visit to the family, describing him as a disciplined, selfless councillor who put the interests of the community ahead of his own.

Khwela was gunned down by an unknown assailant while at his office in Klaarwater.

“As the council we have lost a selfless leader, a champion for development and a true patriot who loved his community, prioritised its needs and served its people diligently. We are saddened that his life was cut short in the very office from which he rendered services to residents,” said Nyawose.

“What makes this loss more painful is that it comes at a time when we are nearing the end of our term as councillors. We call upon law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their quest to apprehend those responsible for this senseless act. We also call upon our communities to come forward with any information that will assist the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” added Nyawose.

The City extended its condolences to the Khwela family, the community of Ward 17 and the councillor’s political party, the ANC.

The ANC eThekwini region expressed its shock at the “senseless murder” and said it was saddened by the killing of its councillor, who has “selflessly” and “tirelessly” served two terms working for the communities of Klaarwater and Savannah Park.

“This tragic loss not only robs his family, friends and loved ones, but also the community at large of a dedicated public servant.

”The ANC is confident that law enforcement will be swift in its investigation and persecution of the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

“We pass our condolences to family, loved ones and to the communities who are poorer for this loss.

“We would like to extend our thanks as the ANC to the Khwela family, who borrowed the ANC and the people of Ward 17 a man who stood true to the vision and mission of the ANC. His unwavering dedication to the struggle of our people will not be forgotten,” reads a statement issued by the ANC eThekwini region.

The ActionSA eThekwini caucus also extended its condolences to Khwela’s family, friends and colleagues in the ANC, as well as to the residents of Ward 17.

“Regardless of political affiliation, no public representative should ever lose their life while serving their community. Violence has no place in our democracy, and attacks on elected public representatives undermine not only the safety of those who serve, but also the democratic values upon which our country is built.

“We call on the South African Police Service to leave no stone unturned in investigating this heinous crime, to ensure that those responsible are swiftly arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice. The people of eThekwini deserve answers, and the family deserves justice.

“ActionSA also calls on all political parties and community leaders to reject political violence in all its forms and to work together in fostering peaceful engagement, respect, and the rule of law.

“May councillor Khwela’s family find strength and comfort during this painful period, and may his soul rest in peace,” said the party.

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