Collins Chabane Municipality mayor Moses Maluleke was shot dead during a robbery at his home on Thursday night, July 21.
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe confirmed the incident, noting that the robbers had gained entry into the home of the 56-year-old at around 7 p.m. and demanded money from him and his 18-year-old son.
Father and son reportedly refused to comply, and the gunmen opened fire on them. Moses was killed on the spot while his son was injured. He has since been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Following the heist, police have launched a manhunt for the robbers while also urging members of the public with information on the robbers to step forward. Also, the national police commissioner, Gen. Fannie Masemola urged provincial police commissioner, Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe, to mobilise maximum resources to ensure that the criminals are apprehended.
The latest robbery follows a wave of robberies that have swept across the Rainbow Nation amid rising unemployment and alleged corruption in government.
Before the mayor’s killing, South Africans had been stunned by the gang robbery of the Lakeside Mall robbery in Benoni. Many South Africans are blaming the government for the current situation, citing corruption in government and President Ramaphosa effusing to be accountable over the discovery of millions of dollars in his Phala Phala farm.
