ANC councillor Lazola Gungxe's murder raises safety concerns

An ANC councillor serving in the City of Cape Town has been shot dead inside the Community Hall in Crossroads while conducting a discussion with residents, intensifying concerns about the safety of public representatives in the Western Cape.

Lazola Gungxe was an ANC proportional-representation councillor in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. He was first sworn in as a city councillor on August 10, 2016 and served as part of the ANC’s caucus on council.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, said Gungxe was found lying near the entrance of the Community Hall after he had been shot by two males who had entered the premises: "On Tuesday, February 3, at 3pm, Nyanga SAPS members attended to a shooting incident at the Crossroads Community Hall, Gwayi Street, Nyanga," Van Wyk explained. "Upon the members' arrival, the body of the 48-year-old deceased was found lying near the entrance of the hall.

"According to reports, there was a community meeting, and after the meeting, the deceased was discussing certain issues with the community members when two males entered and approached the deceased and shot him. They fled the scene in a white Toyota Avanza with no registration numbers.

"The suspects are unknown. Nothing was taken from the deceased." Nyanga police registered a murder case for investigation. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined. "The news of his murder sent shockwaves through the political realm, with dozens attending the crime scene."

Ndithini Tyhido, ANC Regional Chairperson for the Dullah Omar Region, Cape Town, also attended the scene and said: "The ANC Caucus in the City of Cape Town is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic passing of Councillor Lazola Gungxe. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Gungxe family, friends, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his life and service.

"Their loss is also our loss, as Councillor Gungxe was not only a colleague but a comrade and a friend. While the circumstances surrounding this heinous act remain unclear, we do not wish to speculate at this stage and call on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

Tyhido revealed that Gungxe had been working in an acting capacity while the ward councillor was ill.

"This tragic incident once again raises serious concerns about the safety and security of councillors and public representatives who serve communities, often under difficult and dangerous conditions," he said.

The EFF's Banzi Dambuza also offered their support, stating that the ANC had lost one of its brothers.

Benson Ngqentsu, SACP Provincial Secretary also expressed his condolences, condemning the "cowardly assassination" of the Councillor.

As a proportional representative, Gungxe held his seat through the party’s list rather than direct election in a geographical ward. He was assigned to Subcouncil 13, which consists of eight wards and includes areas such as Philippi, Crossroads, Nyanga and Gugulethu, along with surrounding neighbourhoods

During his tenure on council, Gungxe was involved in local governance and ANC activities and participated in public debates on municipal issues.

GOOD City of Cape Town councillor Jonathan Cupido also expressed concerns for the safety of councillors: "Councillors serve communities on the front lines, working daily in difficult and often dangerous environments to resolve disputes, assist residents, and strengthen local democracy,” Cupido said. “When a councillor is murdered while performing this role, it is not only a personal tragedy, but an attack on public service and community stability.”

In May last year, Stellenbosch councillor and mayoral committee member Xolile Kalipa was shot dead in Kayamandi, an attack that drew widespread condemnation and calls for stronger protection for public representatives.

That killing was followed weeks later by the fatal shooting of former Stellenbosch deputy mayor Nyaniso Jindela near a church.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus