NELSPRUIT – A prominent political figure and PR Councilor at the Mkondo Municipality in the Gert Sibande, Mr Muzi Manyathi (41) was sadly shot and killed at a fuel station in Mkondo (Piet Retief) during the evening of Friday, 04 November 2022 around 18:30.
According to the report, a Mercedes-Benz occupied by two people with registration number plates, XTN559GP, was seen moving from one fuel pump to another without refilling meanwhile Manyathi reportedly bought something from the kiosk. It is said that one male occupant came out of the said vehicle, armed with a firearm and allegedly shot the victim multiple times at close range. The suspects then fled the scene using the said vehicle.
The police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were notified about the said incident however Manyathi was unfortunately certified dead at the scene. A murder case is being investigated. The Mercedes-Benz was later found abandoned next to a dam and preliminary investigation indicates that the number plates on the vehicle seems not to be authentic and it was discovered that the said car was reported stolen in April this year (2022) at Brakpan in the Gauteng Province.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has since assembled a team of experts in the field of investigation to probe the case.
No one has been arrested so far however police are working around the clock. The police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to immediately call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of the PR Councilor and has vowed that police will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to book so that justice is served for the victim’s family. “We trust that the team will swiftly make a breakthrough” said the General.
Source: South African Police Service