Ladysmith official killed in apparent hit

A SENIOR Alfred Duma (Ladysmith) local municipal employee was gunned down in an apparent ambush yesterday morning.

Simingaye Oscar Hlatshwayo, 38, the municipality’s executive director of the Infrastructure and Technical Services Department, had just dropped off his two children at school when he was sprayed with a hail of bullets.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Thandeka Mbhele said Hlatshwayo was driving down Francis Road in Ladysmith when he was accosted by two armed suspects, who fired at him. The suspects followed him after his vehicle crashed and fired several more shots.

He was declared dead at the scene and a case of murder is being investigated by Ladysmith police. Mbhele said pistols were used in the shooting.

Hlatshwayo’s family said they were in no position to comment.

One municipal employee who asked not to be named said Hlatshwayo’s killing was bizarre, but could have been motivated by the position he held at the municipality.

“This was obviously a hit because these people were waiting for him. Nothing was taken from him or his car. He held a senior position as a director. How this could have led to his murder is not clear, but hopefully some light will be shed during the investigation by the police,” said the employee.

Nomusa Dube-Ncube, provincial MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs said the province was concerned about the growing attacks directed at municipal officials.

“We call on the police to make an urgent arrest so that we can know the motive behind this senseless murder. Cogta is extremely concerned about what is becoming a trend in targeting officials within municipalities.

“Threats to their lives are a threat to the foundations of our democracy,” she said.