AN Umgababa community police forum member (CPF) died in hospital recently after he and two other men were shot while walking in the evening.

A member of the CPF, who asked not to be identified for safety concerns, said Siyabonga Ndlela (29) and a friend were coming out of an Area 24 establishment where they were playing pool at around 20:00.

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“As they were walking home, they noticed two men following them. The men asked them to stop, but Siyabonga and his friend kept walking because they did not recognise them in the dark. While walking, they came across fellow members of the CPF who were patrolling and pointed out to them the men who were following them,” he said.

The members of the CPF approached the two men, said the member, and asked them where they were going and what was in the bag that was carried by one of them. After an argument ensued, the two men took off running, but members of the CPF were able to catch one of them.

“When the one who escaped was some distance away, he fired shots towards the CPF members and his partner. As the shots rang out, his partner called out the shooter’s name, telling him to stop shooting. That is when we realised who it was,” said the CPF member.

The three people that were shot were rushed to GJ Crookes Hospital in Scottburgh, but the hospital transferred Siyabonga to Port Shepstone Regional Hospital due to the extent of his injuries. He died the same night at around 23:00. The other CPF members were treated and later released.

“We are deeply saddened by what happened because Siyabonga was a good man who wanted his community to be safe. Crime is out of control in this community and we are tired of begging police to do something about it. Criminals are caught and arrested, but a few days later they are back terrorising the community. Enough is enough, we might as well deal with them ourselves,” said the member in tears.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, confirmed the incident and said Umkomaas police are investigating a case of murder and two of attempted murder. No arrests had been made at the time of publication.

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