Gauteng government pays tribute to murdered politician
The Gauteng community safety department joined scores of others who paid tribute to politician Mapiti Matsena following his murder earlier this week.
The 54-year-old Matsena served as chairperson of the portfolio committee on community safety as well as being a member of the portfolio committee on infrastructure development and property management in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
Matsena was stabbed in his chest at his Doornpoort home, north of Pretoria, on Wednesday evening. It send shock waves throughout the city and province.
“We have lost a dedicated member of the provincial legislature who was passionate about the reduction of crime in Gauteng,” MEC Faith Mazibuko said.
“He strongly advocated for the fight against gender-based violence and femicide and the protection of children and the most vulnerable citizens of Gauteng,” the MEC said.
Mazibuko added that Matsena was, in their recent budget vote, firm about the community safety department presenting realistic and actionable plans to deal with the high crime rate in the province.
“The Gauteng SAPS, under the leadership of the acting provincial commissioner, General Ndlovu is working around the clock to ensure the criminal responsible for this heinous crime faces the full might of the law,” she said.
She added that the department, along with the rest of the provincial government, was committed to rooting out crime in the province and ensuring criminals were prosecuted.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, colleagues and the law enforcement fraternity in Gauteng.”
On Thursday, police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said preliminary investigations indicated Matsena was stabbed while he was in his bedroom after a lone assailant gained entry into the house.
“At this stage, it does not appear that anything was stolen.”
Naidoo said national police commissioner General Khehla Sitole had tasked provincial police management to immediately mobilise a 72-hour activation plan following Matsena’s murder.
“We appeal to anyone who may have information to please contact the SAPS via CrimeStop on 08600-10111,” he said.
Information could also be provided through the MySAPSApp.
“All information will be treated with strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.”
General Sitole meanwhile assured the family the murder would be thoroughly investigated.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Manhunt launched for killer of prominent Pta politician
Read original story on rekordnorth.co.za
