A prominent political figure and PR councillor at the Mkhondo Municipality in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga, Muzi Manyathi (41), was shot and killed at a filling station on Friday evening at about 18:30.

According to police, a Mercedes-Benz occupied by two people (registration number: XTN 559 GP) was seen moving from one fuel pump to another without refilling, while Manyathi was reportedly buying something from the kiosk.

One male occupant exited the Mercedes, armed with a firearm, and shot the victim multiple times at close range. The suspects then fled the scene in the aforementioned vehicle.

The Piet Retief police and ambulance services were dispatched when notified of the incident, but Manyathi was pronounced dead on the scene. A murder case is being investigated.

The Mercedes-Benz was later located abandoned next to a dam, and preliminary investigation suggests the number plates on the vehicle do not appear to be valid. It was also determined that the car was allegedly stolen in Brakpan in April.

Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the provincial police commissioner, has since organised a team of experts in the field of investigation to probe the case.

According to a press release issued, thus far no arrests have been made, but police are working around the clock.

The police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to immediately call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS app. The information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Manamela strongly condemned the shooting and has vowed that police will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to book so that justice is served for the victim’s family.

“We trust that the team will swiftly make a breakthrough,” Manamela added.