MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Williams, has learned with disbelief about the news that Councillor Mzikayise Saki of Ward 2 in Ngxakaxa Village at Mbhashe Municipality was strangled to death by two assailants while he was walking home with a woman on Saturday, July 1, from a local tavern.
According to spokesperson for CoGTA, Mamkeli Ngam, during this heinous incident, whilst one assailant allegedly strangled the deceased, the other assailant raped the woman accompanying Saki. The ordeal continued until Saki died. After realising that Saki had died, the two assailants proceeded to gang rape the woman.
“Williams wishes to convey his condolences to the Saki family, relatives, the ANC, friends, and the community of Mbhashe. At the time of his death, Saki was serving as the Ward 2 Councillor at Mbhashe Municipality,” said Ngam.
“Saki’s killing took place not long after Councillor Nomxolisi Nqwena-Maliwa of Mbhashe Municipality’s body was found in her vehicle with a bullet in the head on Friday, February 17. The fatal shooting took place at Ngcingwane Location in Dutywa. The circumstances surrounding her mysterious death are still sketchy, and the trial is underway at Dutywa Magistrate’s Court.
ICYMI | ANC Ward Councilor brutally murdered on his way home
“The gruesome murder of Saki shows the level of lawlessness that has gripped the country. The impunity with which criminals kill innocent people has reached astronomical proportions, and this cannot be tolerated. The perpetrators of the crime should not have a place in our communities. Whoever the hooligans are and whatever their motive, the perpetrators will face the full might of the law.
“Williams calls on the justice system to show no mercy to the suspects and the Department of Social Development to provide psycho-social support to the rape victim.
“Williams lowers his banner in honour of Saki, who passed on while in service of the community of Ngxakana village in Mbhashe Local Municipality,” said Ngam.
According to spokesperson for National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, Ndimphiwe Saki (37) and Thembinkosi Dyakophu (39) briefly appeared before the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Saki. They also face a charge of rape.
“Their case was postponed until Friday, August 4, for further investigation,” said Tyali.
