GQEBERHA – The Ward 27 Councillor, Sicelo Mleve (45), was shot and killed at his office in Zwide, Gqeberha, on Saturday evening, 20 June, in an incident that has prompted a police investigation.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli, the shooting occurred at about 18:50, with police later confirming the councillor’s death.
“It is alleged that two unknown armed male suspects stormed the office while a meeting consisting of roughly 10 people was actively underway,” Nkohli said.
He added that it is further said that the suspects held the victims at gunpoint and ordered everyone present to hand over their mobile phones.
One of the suspects fired upon a 45-year-old man, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds, before fleeing the scene. The deceased sustained several gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene.
Police have launched a manhunt for the two suspects. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, has expressed shock, disbelief and profound sadness following the brutal murder of Ward 27 Councillor Sicelo Mleve.
“This senseless and cowardly act has robbed the people of Ward 27 and Nelson Mandela Bay of a dedicated public servant who was committed to improving the lives of residents and strengthening community development,” she said.
She added that the attack on Mleve was not only an attack on an elected public representative but also an attack on democracy, community participation and the collective efforts to build safer communities.
“We are devastated by this horrific incident. Councillor Mleve was serving his community and engaging residents on matters affecting their daily lives when his life was cruelly cut short. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues and the entire Ward 27 community during this painful time.”
The Executive Mayor has called on all community members who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist investigators to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“We appeal to members of the public not to remain silent. Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to report it to the South African Police Service. Those responsible for this heinous crime must be brought to justice,” Lobishe said.
She further called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and to act swiftly in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators.
These ruthless criminals pose a serious threat to public safety and the rule of law. We call on law enforcement authorities to stop at nothing in pursuing those responsible and ensuring that they face the full might of the law.
Lobishe continued, “The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality stands united with the Mleve family, Ward 27 residents and all those affected by this tragic loss and violent crime in general. The municipality remains committed to supporting law enforcement efforts and working with communities to promote peace, safety and social cohesion.”
According to a Department of Transport and Community Safety statement, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, was deeply outraged and appalled by the brutal shooting of a ward councillor.
“MEC Nqatha has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of the ward councillor and calls on the police to work hard to ensure that the suspects responsible for this barbaric act are brought to book. The MEC also conveys his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, wishing them strength during this difficult time,” said the statement.
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