Image: ANC Councillor Khekhe Khwela Killed Outside Klaarwater Office
By: Saneliso Mlambo
ANC Ward 17 councillor Khekhe Khwela was shot and killed in a suspected targeted attack in Klaarwater, near Mariannhill, west of Durban, on Thursday afternoon. Police have launched a manhunt after the gunman fled the scene on foot.
Khwela was meeting community members in his office when an unknown man arrived claiming he needed assistance. The councillor reportedly stepped outside to help the man before the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot him several times. Khwela died at the scene.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers from several police units are processing the crime scene and searching for evidence.
“Different police units are combing for clues and pieces of evidence at a crime scene in Klaarwater near Mariannhill, where a ward councillor was shot and killed on Thursday afternoon. The suspect fled the scene on foot. The motive of the killing remains unknown at this stage, and a manhunt for the suspect is underway,” Netshiunda said.
The motive for the killing has not yet been established. Police have appealed for information that could assist in locating the suspect as investigations continue.