The post-mortem of a Mandeni man, who disappeared after accusing an ANC councillor of attempted murder, revealed he died from a head injury before his body was burned.

Siyabonga Makhoba had opened a case of assault, kidnapping and attempted murder against the councillor in November 2023, claiming he had been wrongly accused of stealing roof sheeting from the councillor and been publicly assaulted by him.

The councillor was arrested and appeared in court in January last year.

However, the case was dismissed when Makhoba disappeared later that month and failed to appear in court. A case of a missing person was opened at Nyoni Police Station. His decomposed remains were discovered on April 14 last year in Isithebe. The post-mortem results were only released earlier this month, more than a year later.

His brother, Mthokozisi Makhoba said the family wanted to see justice done.

“To this day, we have not buried our brother’s remains and no one has been held accountable. We are calling on the ANC to investigate urgently, suspend the councillor while the investigation is ongoing and show the public that the party is committed to justice, ethical leadership and accountability,” said Mthokozisi.

Regional ANC spokesperson Lucky Makhathini confirmed receipt of the family’s letter but expressed concern that it had circulated on social media before reaching party structures.

“However, we do need to visit the family and meet with the councillor. Such matters must be investigated before any decisions are taken,” said Makhathini.

The councillor in question could not be reached for comment.

Last month, another Mandeni councillor was in hot water over a leaked recording of her allegedly asking a contractor for a R100 000 bribe. Makhathini confirmed that that councillor had been placed on leave until the investigation is complete.

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