An ANC municipal ward councillor, a racehorse breeder and jockey were shot dead in two separate incidents at Qumbu in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
Mhlontlo municipal spokesperson Mamela Mangcotywa confirmed the death of ward 23 councillor Mkhululi Khonza, 50, who was shot while driving in Bhalasi village on the outskirts of Qumbu.
The two other victims were racehorse breeder Madodebandla “Bandla” Xhentsa, 47, and his jockey Lindani Dube, 27.
They were travelling on the same route in Xhentsa’s car.
Police spokesperson W/O Majola Nkohli said in the one incident, two people travelling on a gravel road in Balasi A/A in a Toyota double-cab bakkie had been shot dead in what was believed to have been a drive-by shooting at about 6pm.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are sketchy, but police are following leads. The two occupants, aged 27 and 47, were declared dead on the scene.”
In the other incident, he said a motorist was shot dead at 6.30pm a few kilometres outside Qumbu towards Balasi. He was also declared dead on the scene.
Nkohli said police had launched a manhunt for the suspects.
Mangcotywa described Khonza as a dedicated public servant who had served the people of his ward with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. She said the Mhlontlo community was in shock after the killing.
“He was deeply passionate about the wellbeing of his constituents and worked to address their concerns, uplift the community and create a positive affect in their lives.
“His vision and dedication were evident in his continuous efforts to bridge gaps, promote inclusivity and enhance the quality of the lives of all residents.”
She said the circumstances surrounding Khonza’s death were part of the police investigation and urged the public to co-operate with authorities instead of speculating about the details.
Further information and details regarding his memorial service would be published in due course. “In the meantime, we ask for privacy and respect for the family’s grief,” she said.
ANC Eastern Cape PEC spokesperson Gift Ngqondi said the party was shocked by Khonza’s murder.
He condemned the incident “as it has no place in our democracy”.
The party called on law enforcement agencies to intensify their work to hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to book.
Xhentsa, who won several races with his horses, including a category in the popular Berlin November last year, Dundee July and scores of local horse races around Mhlontlo, served as an executive member of the Mhlontlo Horse Race Association.
Former OR Tambo district municipality council speaker Xolile Nkompela, who also won in the Berlin November and owns several racehorses, described Xhentsa as a fierce competitor.
He said Xhentsa and Dube had been preparing for a race in KwaBhaca next month.
“We don’t know why these killings are happening.
“I wish people would realise murdering people, no matter what issues you have with them, is not a solution. Everyone is anxious after his [Xhentsa’s] death.”
Xhentsa’s murder comes three years after another popular Qumbu horse breeder and owner Anele Luthinto was shot dead in the driveway of his Mbenthe home.
Xhentsa’s family was too distraught to speak to the media when contacted on Wednesday but a neighbour, Madodandile Nkantsi, said his car had been riddled with bullets.
“Police came and were picking up a lot of shells on the scene.”
He said the two had been shot near Xhentsa’s home in Mangweni village, a stone’s throw from Bhalasi village.
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