Cross-border crime fighter slain
SIPHO “Juda” Mthethwa was wellknown for his stance against cross-border crime.
But on Thursday night, Mthethwa, 58, who lived in Manguzi, in the umkhanyakude district, became a victim when he was shot and killed.
Brigadier Jay Naicker, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the killing. He said the Emanguzi police were investigating a case of murder.
“It is alleged that at 9.30pm the victim arrived at his house and when he was outside his vehicle, he was shot by unknown suspects. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene,” he said.
Naicker said the motive for the killing was unknown.
Mthethwa had returned home after fetching his child from Durban.
His brother Shadrack, 48, said that the family was struggling to come to terms with his death. He said Mthethwa was loved by their family and the community.
He described him as a people’s person.
“My brother was the glue that kept this family together. We will miss how he brought unity to our home and in the community. He was also a very popular and loved person who was always laughing and kind,” said Shadrack.
He said that Mthethwa’s wife was barely coping and that he wished for the suspects to face the full might of the law.
“I wish the suspects get caught and justice is served. If it were up to me and we still lived back in the apartheid times, I would have definitely called for the death sentence upon them,” said Shadrack.
He added that the family did not suspect anyone in particular and that only police investigations would assist in resolving the case.
Mthethwa, an anti-crime activist, had started the umhlabuyalingana Society Against Crime (Usac) about eight years ago in the umkhanyakude district. The Usac played a pivotal role in the fight against cross-border crime, particularly hijackings.
Usac worked closely with the KZN Department of Community Safety and Liaison, law enforcement and other organisations within the justice crime prevention security cluster in order to create a safer society.
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, has called on the police to act swiftly in apprehending the suspects.
Hlomuka praised Mthethwa for his leadership in the ongoing issues in the umkhanyakude district between Mozambican and South African citizens.
“Juda played a critical role where he displayed negotiating skills and diplomacy of the highest order during the ongoing protest that is plaguing the Kosi Bay Border between Manguzi and Mozambique. He was a voice of reason and commanded respect; those are true qualities of a dedicated servant of the people,” he said.
He called on community to refrain from speculating and to allow police investigations to continue.
Over the past few months, residents of the district have been frustrated over an increase in the number of hijackings, in which mainly SUVS and bakkies were targeted.
Late last month, during a community engagement, national police commissioner Lieutenant General Fanie Masemola announced a decision to move the SAPS district offices from Kwamsane to either Manguzi or Hluhluwe, which would be close to areas where most crimes were happening. He said this would bring district leadership close to constituencies.
He said more than 100 police officers had been deployed in the area to bring stability, and provide visibility and effective policing to the vast area towards the border.
His visit followed the torching of five vehicles, including a bus, on the R22 between Hluhluwe and Manguzi.
Mthethwa leaves behind his wife, four children and two siblings. His funeral will be held next weekend.