An ANC Councillor at the Mbashe Local Municipality in Dutywa was murdered and a woman who was walking with him gang-raped this past weekend.
The Provincial Head of Communications of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape, Gift Ngqondi, confirmed that Councillor Mzikayise Saki was killed on Saturday, July 1. He was the Ward 2 Councilor at Ngxakaxha Administrative Area at Dutywa.
“He was attacked and strangled to death by two men while walking home [with a woman]. The suspects also gang-raped [the woman]. His brutal murder represents the barbarism of the worst order. We strongly condemn this senseless murder and are saddened by the loss of yet another foot soldier in the battle to bring adequate services closer to our communities,” said Ngqondi.
He added that perpetrators of crime, Gender Based Violence against women, children and the elderly should have no place in society.
Ngqondi said they call on the Department of Social Development to provide psycho-social support to the rape victim.
“We commend the police for the swift reaction and teamwork that resulted in the speedy arrest of the two suspects yesterday morning (2 July). We call on our communities to form organs of people’s power, such as street committees and community policing forums, and partner with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.”
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, confirmed that two suspects, aged between 27 and 29 years, were arrested soon after the murder of Saki and the rape of the woman.
“It
is alleged that at about 03:00 on the mentioned date the deceased and the woman were on their way home from a local tavern in Kwarini locality in
Dutywa when they were accosted by the suspects. He was strangled to death while
the woman was taken to a vandalised house near a stadium and allegedly raped,”
said Naidu.
She confirmed that a case of murder and rape are under
investigation. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
