The Nelson Mandela Metro traffic official, who was shot and killed in Walmer on 4 February, Dorington Zola Matiwane, had allegedly been receiving death threats in the last few months leading up to his murder.
Matiwane’s daughter, Mihlali Mntwapi, told PE Express that her father told his family about the alleged threats. “As a family we have a lot of questions, especially because of the threats he said he received.” Mntwapi said that this is a terrible time of grief, heartache and confusion for them. “We don’t understand how this happened because my father was a man of integrity. He didn’t deserve to die like this.”
When asked if Matiwane ever reported the alleged threats to the police, Mntwapi said that she doesn’t know.
Police spokesperson, colonel Priscilla Naidu, says there were no reports made by the official about any death threats.
Meanwhile, the family is offering a reward of R30 000 for anyone who has information that could lead to the arrest and successful conviction of the suspect(s).
Anyone who has information about the identity of the suspect(s), can call Mntwapi on 072 102 0797 or the investigating officer, D/cst Mfusi Tala at the Walmer police station on 041 5811496.
The 60-year-old Matiwane and his passenger, a 43-year-old female municipal employee, were approached in their stationary metro vehicle at the intersections of Lungelo Mlandu Street and Victoria Drive by a man wearing a balaclava. Several shots were fired at the vehicle.
Matiwane died on the scene. The passenger, who sustained a gunshot wound to her hand, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The Safety and Security directorate expressed its shock and dismay following the brutal murder of the veteran officer who served the traffic law enforcement fraternity diligently for 33 years.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, Queenie Pink, voiced her concern that the life of a dedicated traffic officer could be snuffed out so callously.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and the broader traffic law enforcement family of the deceased. I trust that the South African Police Services will leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to book,” Pink said.
Head of Traffic and Licensing, Warren Prins, said the incident is a sad reminder of the dangerous working environment law enforcement officers and first responders face on a daily basis.
“We will take comfort from the fact that our colleague died while serving his community with pride but we cannot help to think that he only had a few years left before his retirement.
“He was in his early sixties and a man of faith. He will be sorely missed. May his dear soul rest in peace,” Prins said.
Prins confirmed that he has not received “any written or verbal reports” from Matiwane regarding the alleged death threats.
Matiwane, who joined the traffic department in 1987, served in the Transportation Unit of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Traffic Department.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nelson Mandela Bay has issued a statement in which they extended their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Matiwane.
The DA’s Spokesperson for Safety and Security in NMB, Gustav Rautenbach, said this tragedy highlights the urgency of hosting a “safer city summit” to address crime in the City.
“In March 2019 I tabled a motion at a special safety and security portfolio committee meeting proposing that such a summit be held as soon as possible. All parties agreed, but we are still awaiting any concrete plans on when the summit will take place.
“We can no longer sit back and leave our residents and officials at the mercy of criminals. This tragic incident must serve as a wake-up call and move the Municipality to expedite the matter. We must formulate clear plans to safeguard our municipal officials and residents from criminals,” Rautenbach said.
Police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.
