With just over a week before the local government elections, Thulani Mbana, a DA Ward 14 candidate at Taylor Park, Zamdela, Sasolburg, was shot dead at his home on Monday evening.
Police in the Free State have registered a case of murder for further investigation.
“It is alleged that at approximately 9.40pm, the deceased was at his residence when two unknown males approached him and called out to him. When he approached them, one of the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and shot him several times at close range,” police spokesperson Brig Thandi Mbambo said.
Mbana, who was also the DA’s Metsimaholo caucus leader, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. The suspects fled on foot.
Mbambo said Free State police commissioner Lt-Gen Thabang Lesia has activated the Zamdela Trio Task Team and Serious Organised Crime Unit to investigate the murder, trace and apprehend the suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The motive for the killing has not yet been established, and it has not been confirmed whether the incident is politically motivated. All possible leads are being pursued as part of the ongoing investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact the investigating officer Capt Sandile Dladla at 082 453 6245 or 073 226 6788 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS App.
The DA expressed sadness at the death of Mbana who it said will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a champion of his community.
The party said Mbana joined the DA in 2017 and dedicated himself to political activism, community service and building the party’s grassroots structures.
“As caucus leader, through election campaigns and by-elections, and his work as a councillor and MMC for spatial planning and human settlements while the DA was in government in Metsimaholo, he remained committed to representing the people of Metsimaholo and ensuring their voices were heard,” the DA said.
The party extend its condolences to his wife, family, friends and colleagues.
It said Lesia informed the partly shortly after the shooting that police had a team investigating this incident.
“We trust the investigation will establish the motives and bring those responsible to justice.”
TimesLIVE
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