Murdered mayor remembered as champion of development
Moses Maluleke became the mayor of the Collins Chabane Municipality in 2018 and entrenched his career within the structures of Mass Democratic Movement since the 1990s.
LIMPOPO – Premier Chupu Mathabatha accompanied by various MECs, and Vhembe Mayor, Dowelani Nenguda visited the bereaved family of Collins Chabane Mayor, Moses Maluleke last Friday (July 22).
The group offered their condolences, and said the province is deeply saddened “by the untimely death of the dedicated cadre”.
Read more: Limpopo police seek mayor’s killers
A sombre cloud hangs over the rural village of Xikundu near Saselamani after Maluleke’s murder. He was shot and killed outside his home on July 21 during an attack in which his teenage son was injured.
Three unknown men entered the mayor’s home at 19:00 and demanded money from him and his son. When the father and son could not give the gunmen what they demanded, they opened fire and fled the scene.
The 56-year-old Maluleke died on the scene and his 18-year-old son was transported to the nearby hospital for medical attention.
Mathabatha said Maluleke will be remembered as one of the champions of development and service delivery.
“I urge our law enforcement agencies to do everything in their power to bring to book the perpetrators of his gruesome killing. On behalf of Provincial Government, we send our sincere condolences to the Maluleke family, relatives, the ANC and the municipal community at large,” said Mathabatha.
Maluleke became the mayor of the Collins Chabane Municipality in 2018 and entrenched his career within the structures of Mass Democratic Movement since the 1990s, ably grounding himself within community structures in the region.
His younger brother, Eiteken Maluleke said the family is saddened and devastated by the untimely death of their beloved family member.
“He was the pillar of the Maluleke family, the Xikundu communities and the people in Collins Chabane in particular. We appreciate the visit from the Limpopo leader, Premier Mathabatha as it symbolises that we are not alone and that you are with us during this time of sorrow,” said Maluleke.
Mathabatha wished Maluleke’s son a speedy recovery.
Robert Hobyani, who has been a maintenance worker at Maluleke’s home for the past four years, said life “will never be the same without my boss”.
He is unsure of where he will find another job.
National police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a case of murder and attempted murder are being investigated and on Monday, Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said a R250 000 reward is being offered for any valuable information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects responsible.
Read more: R250 000 reward for information on Limpopo mayor’s killers
“Anyone with valuable information can contact the investigating team leaders: Brigadier (Dr) Chris Mabasa on 082 469 0739, Lieutenant Colonel Ndou on 082 807 2666, Lieutenant Colonel Boshomane 079 894 5501 and/or Sergeant Khosa on 073 616 9888. Alternatively, callers can contact the crime stop number 08600 10111, go to the nearest Police Station or use the MySAPSApp,” Mojapelo said.
