Slain exec ‘protected’

RAND WATER: JOALA ‘DID MENTION THAT HIS LIFE WAS IN DANGER’

Utility dismisses claims it didn’t provide security for murdered shared services officer.

Rand Water has dismissed claims it failed to provide security for Teboho Joala, its assassinated chief shared services officer. Joala – who was shot dead during Rand Water’s Back-to-School Campaign on 29 January – had reportedly been receiving death threats in the weeks leading up to his death.

“It is important to note that as the chief shared services officer, Mr Joala’s business unit, included … risk management and security services. If he had known that his life was under immediate threat, he could have reinforced his security detail,” said Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo.

“Currently, the matter is in the hands of the SA Police Service. Accordingly, Rand Water would like to appeal to the media and members of the public to refrain from peddling any false and unsubstantiated information that may cast aspersions on the organisation, its leadership and employees.

“Rand Water would like to appeal to everyone to allow the law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigations without any interference or undue influence.”

Maroo said Rand Water would continue to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies “to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended”.

In an interview with eNCA this week, chief whip of the Johannesburg council, Sthembiso Zungu, who survived the shooting with wounds to his knee and shoulder, said the gunman shot Joala in the head about eight times.

Joala’s bodyguard was also shot dead during the attack.

Zungu was sitting next to Joala when they were ambushed.

“As soon as I finished speaking, I wanted to hand over to Teboho to address the gathering. I saw this guy approaching, very close, and [he] started shooting. He might have shot [him] eight times while I was sitting down,” he said.

“I only got up after I felt I had been shot on the knee. I got up and asked him kwenzenjani [what is happening]?’

“From there he [gunman] went for me. He wanted to hit me in the head, but then I ducked and he hit me in the shoulder, at the back. After that, everyone was just running for cover. I remember kids calling me to come and hide.”

Although Joala had mentioned receiving death threats, there were no signs that his life was in danger at the venue, as the hitman joined the gathering like any other community member, raising no suspicions.

“He did mention that his life was in danger, wherever he goes he must be guarded. There were no guards inside the hall. It was just staff from Rand Water. The guards were outside,” said Zungu.

“There were no signs that he was in danger. There was no reason to be suspicious. However, he was not comfortable with the setting, maybe he felt something. He wanted to stay there for a short time and leave.”

–

If he knew his life was under immediate threat, he could have reinforced his security detail.

Makenosi Maroo Rand Water spokesperson