Two Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) employees, Sboniso Mthwane (46) and Sibusiso Mthembu (43) were shot dead in Gamalakhe on the South Coast of KZN, recently.

According to sources, unconfirmed reports suggest that the murders of Mthembu and Mthwane are related to the work they do at RNM.

Mthembu is said to be from Gamalakhe, while Mthwane is said to be from around the Nyandezulu area.

RNM spokesperson Simon April told South Coast Fever that the leadership and management of the municipality send their deepest condolences to co-employees, families, and friends of Mthembu and Mthwane.

Mthembu was a street cleaning supervisor at Depot South and Mthwane a machine operator at Depot North.

April said both employees had been part of the municipality since 2007, and added that they had been dedicated and reliable employees  until their untimely deaths.

“It is hoped that law enforcement agencies will bring to book the perpetrators of this vicious act, and justice will be served. To their close colleagues, families, and friends, we wish them peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with them at this difficult time,” April said.

Port Shepstone police spokesperson Captain Petros Mpinge explained that Mthembu and Mthwane succumbed to their head and neck gunshot wounds after the incident.

“It is alleged that the deceased were in a vehicle at their residence when an unknown gunman attacked them. The motive for the killing is yet to be established. Gamalakhe SAPS detectives are investigating a case of murder,” said Mpinge, and added that no arrests have been made.

Comment from both Mthembu’s and Mthwane’s families had not been received at the time of publication, however, Mpume Mbono of the Gamalakhe Neighbourhood Watch said they are shocked.

“We are pleading with anyone who has information about the shooting to go to the Gamalakhe Police Station and tell the police what they know. We need to work with the police to catch the people who are behind the murders,” concluded Mbono.