Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso has vowed that the Lwandle community will erect a tombstone to commemorate the 10 people who were brutally killed at KwaNdelu Shisanyama in the area on Sunday, 27 September.
It was reported that unknown men arrived and opened fire on the patrons who were socialising at the venue, killing 10 people and injuring 11 others.
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Diniso made the announcement during a memorial service held at Nomzamo Community Hall on Saturday, 3 October.
He said the devastating shooting had left the community terrified and heartbroken, and urged residents to take greater ownership of their community and work together to address crime.
We won’t sleep’: Councillor vows to pursue justice
“It is the first time we have experienced such an incident in the area. As a community, we are terrified and heartbroken. We are saying to the bereaved families that they are not alone. We are here to support them during this difficult time. But I must stress that we won’t sleep. We will ensure that justice is served for all the victims,” said Diniso.
Diniso said the community would erect a tombstone bearing the names of the deceased at the site where they were killed, creating a permanent monument that would serve as a reminder to the people of Lwandle of those who lost their lives.
He urged the City of Cape Town to play its role by ensuring that municipal by-laws are enforced.
“The incident occurred at about 2 am on Sunday, 27 September. What do the City’s by-laws say about operating hours? It is up to the City to ensure that all the by-laws it has implemented are followed. But all we want is for justice to be served for the victims,” said Diniso.
He urged law enforcement officers to leave no stone unturned in their investigation, saying the community wanted to know the motive behind the shooting.
KwaNdelu was not a tavern, says SANCO
Lwandle South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) chairperson, Thembelani Gxojeni, said the organisation was waiting for the law to take its course before intervening. He was adamant that KwaNdelu was not a tavern.
“It was unfortunate that such an incident happened at that place. KwaNdelu is a new place. I think it had been open for about two months, if I am not mistaken. The owner of the shisanyama was opening the business on the day of the incident. That place does not sell alcohol, but there were people who brought their own alcohol that day,” said Gxojeni.
He said the organisation would work with all community stakeholders to establish the motive behind the shooting.
Lwandle Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Chwayita Bhuqa urged residents to remain calm and put their trust in God.
“Let’s give the law enforcement officers space to do their job. Let’s stop disseminating unverified information on social media about this incident. We need to be strong during this difficult time,” said Bhuqa.
Grieving brother: ‘We are coping’
A family member of one of the deceased, Avela Manxiwa, said he still could not believe that his younger brother, Sivenathi Manxiwa, was no longer alive. Avela remembered his younger brother as a humble and kind-hearted person.
“I have no words right now, but all I can say is that all of us who lost our family members must accept it and be strong. It is difficult for us, but with the support of community members, we are coping,” said Manxiwa. The deceased have been identified as Tatenda Clavah, Siyathemba Jilaji, Khululekani Ndlovu, Avuyile Sikweza, Sivenathi Manxiwa, Abongile Hele, Lahluma Klaas, Okuhle Matibane, Ryan Tanaka Kaserera and Yonelani July.
