BCM leaders call for calm in Reeston

BUFFALO City Metro leadership has condemned the recent violence in the Reeston area that left at least three people dead.

City leaders yesterday called for calm in the area, and promised that service delivery would not be affected in the area.

Last week, East London woke to the news that two women had been shot dead, allegedly by Mabuto Matiwane, the husband of Buffalo City Metro’s Ward 13 councillor Nokulunga Matiwane.

The women were shot on Buffalo Pass Road. One survived and managed to tell a passing traffic officer what had happened. She later died in hospital.

The two women have been identified as Nomboniso Twana, 54, and Nombulelo Mpitipiti, 50.

This vicious crime angered residents who allegedly torched the councillor’s house, causing the death of a disabled teenager, who was inside the house.

The Matiwane couple have since been arrested by police and are expected to appear in court this week.

Matiwane was sworn in as a councillor after last year’s local government elections.

Metro council speaker Alfred Mtsi and executive mayor Xola Pakati yesterday denounced the acts of violence.

“As the municipality we pride ourselves upon being a hardworking city that puts its people over and above everything that we do and these developments are not in line with that spirit,” said Mtsi.

Mtsi said he was going to take action as duly charged with the responsibility of enforcing the conduct and welfare of councillors who were expected to perform their duties in good faith, with honesty, transparency and in the best interest of the municipality and community.

He indicated that he would allow the law to take its course.

“We are handling the matter and will cooperate with the law-enforcement agencies. he said.

“As the municipality we are calling upon our people in the city and particular in the area of Dice to maintain calm.” —