A National Freedom Party Councillor, Beauty Nompumelelo Zondi (45), was gunned down outside her home in the Nhlanhleni area, Pomeroy, at about 7pm on Monday.
She was found dead outside her house. It is believed gunmen opened fire as she got out of her car after returning home from a meeting.
Police said Mrs Zondi suffered a gunshot wound in the head. “The motive is unknown at this stage. A case of murder was opened at Nhlanhleni police station for investigation and no arrest has been made at this stage,” said police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane.
Mrs Zondi was a Councillor at both Msinga local municipality and at Umzinyathi District Municipality.
Dr EMS Ntombela, municipal manager of Umzinyathi District Municipality expressed his shock at the incident. The District Municipality has been in limbo since September last year after former Mayor, James Mthethwa, was sent to the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town following his controversial remarks about gays and lesbians.
Since then – despite several attempts to have one elected – the District is still without a Mayor.