An ANC municipal ward councillor and a racehorse breeder were among three people gunned downed in Qumbu on Tuesday.
Mhlontlo municipal spokesperson Mamela Mangcotywa confirmed the death of Mhlontlo ward 23 councillor Mkhululi Khonza, 50, who was y shot while driving in Bhalasi village on the outskirts of Qumbu.
The incident happened at about 7pm on Tuesday.
The two other victims were racehorse champion Madodebandla “Bandla” Xhentsa, 47, and his jockey Lindani Dube, 27.
They were travelling on the same route in Xhentsa’s car when tragedy struck.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said in one incident, two people travelling on a gravel road in Balasi A/A in a Toyota double-cab bakkie had been shot dead in what was believed to have been a drive-by shooting at around 6pm.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are sketchy but police are following all leads. The two occupants, aged 27 and 47, were declared dead on the scene.”
In the incident, at 6.30pm, Khonza was shot a few kilometres outside Qumbu towards Balasi. He was also declared dead on the scene.
Nkohli said police had launched a manhunt for the suspects.
Mangcotywa described Khonza as a dedicated public servant who had tirelessly served the people of his ward with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.
She said the entire Mhlontlo community was left in shock by the tragic killing.
“He was deeply passionate about the wellbeing of his constituents and worked tirelessly to address their concerns, uplift the community and create a positive impact in their lives.
“His vision and dedication were evident in his continuous efforts to bridge gaps, promote inclusivity and enhance the quality of the lives of all residents.”
She said the circumstances surrounding Khonza’s demise were part of police’s investigation and urged the public to co-operate with authorities instead of speculating about the details of the incident.
Further information and details regarding his memorial service arrangements would be communicated in due course.
“In the meantime, we ask for privacy and respect for the family’s grief,” she said.
ANC Eastern Cape PEC spokesperson Gift Ngqondi said the party was also shocked by the news of Khonza’s murder.
He said it strongly condemned the incident “as it has no place in our democracy”.
The party called on law enforcement agencies to intensify their work to hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to book.
Xhentsa, who won several races with his horses, including a category in the popular Berlin November last year, Dundee July and scores of local horse races around Mhlontlo, served as an executive member of the Mhlontlo Horse Race Association.
Former OR Tambo district municipality council speaker Xolile Nkompela, who also won in the Berlin November and owns several racehorses, described Xhentsa as a fierce competitor.
He said Xhentsa and Dube had been preparing for a race in KwaBhaca next month.
“We don’t know why these killings are happening.
“How I wish people would realise that murdering people, no matter what issues you have with them, is not a solution. Everyone is now anxious following his [Xhentsa’s] death.”
Xhentsa’s murder comes three years after another popular Qumbu horse breeder and owner, Anele Luthinto, was gunned down in cold blood in the driveway of his Mbenthe home in Qumbu, in 2020.
Xhentsa’s family was too distraught to speak to the media when contacted on Wednesday.
But a neighbour, Madodandile Nkantsi, said his car had been riddled with bullets.
“Police came and were picking up a lot of shells on the scene.”
He said the two had been shot near Xhentsa’s home in Mangweni village, a stone’s throw away from Bhalasi village.
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