GQEBERHA – Two investigations into the killings of ANC leaders in the Eastern Cape remain unresolved, with police confirming that no arrests have been made in the murders of ward councillor, Sicelo Mleve and Branch Elections Team Coordinator Wonele Gontshi.
Mleve was shot and killed at his ward office in Zwide, Gqeberha, on 20 June, while Gontshi was killed in a shooting at a pharmacy in Qumbu on 13 June.
Police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, confirmed that investigations into both cases were ongoing.
“There are no arrests and police are following all leads,” said Nkohli.
According to police, Mleve was attending a meeting at his ward office when two armed men entered the premises at about 18:50.
The suspects allegedly held approximately 10 people at gunpoint and ordered them to hand over their cellphones. One of the suspects then opened fire on Mleve before the pair fled the scene.
The 45-year-old councillor sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene.
A week earlier, Gontshi was shot and killed at a pharmacy in the Sejoseng Business Centre in Qumbu. The ANC in the O.R. Tambo Region identified Gontshi as a Branch Executive Committee member of the General Maqutyana Branch in Ward 14 and the Branch Elections Team Coordinator.
He was accompanied by Ngawonke Bulala, the Elections Manager of the Mhlontlo Local Elections Team, who survived the attack but sustained serious injuries.
In a statement, the ANC O.R. Tambo Regional Executive Committee said it had received news of the shooting with “profound shock, sadness and outrage”.
The party described the incident as a “barbaric and cowardly act” and said Gontshi’s death had robbed the organisation and the community of a dedicated activist.
“The untimely death of Comrade Wonele Gontshi has robbed the movement and the people of a committed activist who dedicated his energies towards organisational work, community mobilisation and the advancement of the objectives of the African National Congress,” the ANC said.
Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting at about 11:20 and found a 26-year-old man dead behind the pharmacy counter.
Two other people survived the attack. One sustained injuries to the lower body and was taken for medical treatment, while the other was physically unharmed.
Police said the victims had allegedly arrived at the pharmacy to purchase masks when gunfire erupted.
“As they attempted to enter, gunfire erupted. The victims took cover inside and the shooting continued for some time before the suspect(s) fled. Nothing was taken from the victims or the pharmacy,” police said.
Forensic investigators recovered multiple rifle cartridges, projectiles and sealed bullets from the scene.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for Mleve, with ANC Nelson Mandela Regional Deputy Chairperson Lufefe Mkutu describing him as a loyal servant of the movement who dedicated his life to advancing the interests of his community and the ANC.
In a tribute, Mkutu said Mleve was a committed member of the generation of ANC Youth League activists who championed the call for economic freedom and remained steadfast in his beliefs throughout his political life.
“He spent his life tirelessly engaged in the struggle to better the lives of his people, not just in his community as a ward councillor but also in his region, Nelson Mandela, and his country,” Mkutu wrote.
Mkutu described Mleve as a leader who never shied away from debate and who remained loyal to the organisation throughout his life.
“He was stubborn in his convictions and never shied away from debate. He was robust and constructive,” he said.
Paying tribute to Mleve’s contribution to the ANC, Mkutu added: “Comrade Sicelo struggled throughout his life; he was an indispensable one; he was what the ANC and the people needed.”
Police have appealed to anyone with information that may assist investigations in either case to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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