In what is suspected to be a targeted shooting incident, Rand West City Local Municipality council whip Mkhuseli Jokazi, who is also a regional secretary of the ANC in the Johannesburg West Rand, was shot and injured after leaving a council meeting on Wednesday.

It is believed that Jokazi was with the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure, Jeje Legoete in Glenharvie at the time of the incident. Legoete managed to escape unharmed.

Municipal spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa confirmed the incident saying, “Jokazi is in stable condition and is recuperating in hospital following some injuries. Although Legoete did not sustain any physical injuries, he is in shock.”

He says they are shocked at the incident and that the availability of councillors around the clock has made them an easy target.

“It is imperative that the two councillors, as public representatives, remain available to their constituents around the clock. This is a fundamental aspect of ensuring constant communication and fostering a strong connection with the communities they serve.

“It is unfathomable that criminal elements use the availability of public representatives as an opportunity to target them.

“These acts significantly diminish the value of public representatives and may result in communities not having access to their representatives for reasons of safety and security,” says Montshiwa.

The ANC in Gauteng is calling on law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those found to be responsible face the full might of the law.