SABC boss: hit probed

THE SABC’s head of legal services Sizwe Vilakazi was gunned down in a suspected hit at his liquor store in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday night.

Vilakazi, 42, was shot dead by three men who entered his bottle store. They did not steal anything, according to Ekurhuleni police spokesperson Captain Thivhulawi Tshilate.

Tsakane police have urgently appealed to the community for their assistance to help track down the gunmen.

The suspected hit took place at Madisenke Liquor Depot.

“On Saturday at about 8.30pm, three armed men entered the store and shot Vilakazi through the counter. Nothing was stolen and the three men fled the scene in a blue VW Polo Vivo, with an unknown registration,” Tshilate said.

“The victim was certified dead by paramedics. The motive for the shooting is unknown. We are working around the clock to bring the suspects to book,” Tshilate added.

The SABC board, management and staff sent their condolences to the Vilakazi family and friends.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told The Star that some members of the board had gone to visit the family. They were devastated by the attack on their loved one.

“Vilakazi will be remembered for his immense contribution to the SABC. He was dedicated to his work and entrusted with a huge responsibility of heading the SABC’s legal division,” Kganyago said.

Vilakazi had served the organisation as a senior legal adviser in 2008, and in 2016 he was appointed as head of legal services at the public broadcaster.

“Vilakazi was a remarkable legal mind with an exceptional intuition and work ethic,” he said.

Anyone with information can call the SAPS on 011 363 5300. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS line 32211.