Bodyguard shooting: Richards Bay probe continues

A fact-finding mission has been launched into the tragic death of two bodyguards following last month’s shooting at Richards Bay Civic Centre in KZN.

Off-duty bodyguard Ntokozo Mthembu, attached to city mayor Xolani Ngwezi, shot and killed Simo Zulu, the bodyguard and son of city manager Nkosenye Zulu.

Mthembu was then shot to death by Simo’s colleagues while he was trying to escape.

On Tuesday, Cogta MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi convened the fact-finding meeting with the municipal executives.

While the matter is under police investigation, the city’s Executive Council, led by Ngwezi, detailed the events leading to the shooting and measures implemented since.

Condemning the ‘unprecedented’ incident in the meeting, Sithole-Moloi went on to assess the premises, raising concerns about the state of security within the municipal council, including firearm access control.

“As KZN Cogta, we would like to assure the residents of uMhlathuze Municipality that we are investigating the matter, and stringent measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of councillors, staff and the community,” she said, adding that she will soon brief the Provincial Executive Committee on the matter.