Hostel activist shot and killed
Hostel committee members also believe that Sello was killed for standing up and fighting for hostel dwellers’ rights.
The DA has appealed to police to urgently investigate a notorious gang after they allegedly shot and killed a local “activist” at the Mamelodi hostels over the weekend.
Daniel Sello (51) was shot five times in his room at Mamelodi Hostel Kingsley hostel Block B on Saturday night.
He was allegedly killed by a group of men said to belong to a gang terrorising residents at the hostels.
A roommate, who was with Sello at the time, narrowly escaped being shot but was injured in the process.
“A group of five men came to our room at around 21:00 while we were busy making food and asked for Sello,” one of his roommates, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
“Three of the men entered the room, while the other two stayed outside.
“Everything happened so quickly. They started beating us, demanding to know which one of us is Daniel.
“They called his name and made sure he replied to confirm that it was indeed him. Daniel was laying in his bed at the time and they simply walked over and shot him.”
According to an eyewitness, he was shot thrice in the abdomen and twice in the head.
The roommates said it was no longer safe for anyone at the hostel blocks, especially those involved in building temporary units for compliance with Covid-19 regulations at the blocks.
“Daniel died fighting for the rights of hostel dwellers,” they said.
“He was not a violent person and everyone liked him. His dream was to see everyone at the hostel blocks staying in a clean environment. He always made sure that leaking water pipes and toilets were fixed. Daniel also fought against drugs at the hostel.”
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Sello was DA chairperson in ward 38 and head of the Mamelodi hostel residents’ committee.
The party has also blamed gangsters known for using force and intimidation to score business deals in the township for his murder.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said the police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder.
“We are still busy with investigations and no arrests have been made,” said Makhubela.
Former Tshwane MMC Darryl Moss said Sello was killed for standing up to the gangsters.
“Sello recently clashed with gang members who carried firearms and disturbed workers at some projects.
“This forced him to open several cases against the gang and as well as protection orders,” said Moss.
Moss, however, claimed police did nothing to put an end to this reign of terror.
Hostel committee members also believe that Sello was killed for standing up and fighting for hostel dwellers’ rights.
Following his murder, his roommates, hostel dwellers and colleagues are fearing for their lives because they believe police failed to help Sello, despite his complaints.
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“He complained complaining about the death threats he was receiving,” a hostel committee member said.
“Police said there was no evidence of threats. Look now, the evidence is his dead body.
“We don’t feel safe because they could kill us too. Maybe there is even a hitlist with our names on it.”
Moss said the DA would be involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to investigate why police allegedly took no action following Sello’s complaints.
“Gangsterism in business is a big problem in Mamelodi and the hostels in particular. Gangsters invaded the hostels some time ago and kicked some people out, but police did nothing about it.
“The gangsters have no respect for business processes. They just want to be given work without even applying for a tender.
“I think the last nail in the coffin was when the human settlements minister awarded a tender for building temporary shelters at the hostels,” said Moss.
Sello’s brother, Ronny Sello, said he was shocked by his sudden death.
“The family is in pain,” he said.
“I was planning on seeing my brother this Friday to prepare for wedding negotiations as his younger brother was set to get married. Instead, he will now be coming home in a coffin on Friday.”
Sello will be buried at his home town at Ga-Mashabela, Limpopo on Saturday.
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