The murder of a senior Ray Nkonyeni Municipality employee has shocked colleagues, who say they now fear for their lives. Winile Nikwe (45), was shot dead in an ambush at her Nyandezulu home on Tuesday this week, police confirmed.
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Ms Nikwe, the cleansing and maintenance superintendent at Depot 3 and a Lower South Coast Regional Executive member in the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL), is believed to have died in a hail of bullets as she arrived home at around lunch time.
“She suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body and was declared dead at the scene,” said KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele.
Speculation is rife that Ms Nikwe was killed for being outspoken on municipal issues, but Colonel Mbhele said the motive for the murder was still being investigated by Paddock police.
“It is no secret that she did not get along with most of her workers because she was too strict. Her death has scared all of us now,” claimed one Depot 3 cleansing unit worker.
Executive Council member Sifundo Ngwane said it was shocking that this had occurred while the municipality was still dealing with ongoing squabbles in the cleansing and maintenance unit.
These internal problems had led to workers recently downing tools, service delivery being hindered and three employees – a manager, a superintendent and a Depot 1 employee – being placed on suspension, said RNM spokesman, Simon April.
“Investigations into their conduct are continuing and the municipality has taken some measures to ensure that the work is done without hiccups as a result of this suspension.”
According to Mr April, Ms Nikwe had served the municipality for 14 years, and was appointed superintendent in April 2009.
RNM mayor Cynthia Mqwebu conveyed a message of condolence to the slain woman’s family, friends and colleagues.
ANCWL secretary Matho Shozi said the death of their comrade was a huge blow to the organisation, especially as they had buried councillor Nompumelelo Chiyi last Saturday. Ms Chiyi had been ill for some time.
Mr April appealed for calm and asked anyone with information on the murder to contact law enforcement.
“Our prayers are with her family, relatives and friends,” he added.
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