Two political activists in Nelson Mandela Bay were murdered in separate incidents just days before the army was deployed in the metro.
Their deaths came amid a spate of killings that rocked the Bay over a period of two weeks.
ANC Ward 40 branch member in Kuyga, Greenbushes, Thembekile “Tise” Mali, 39, was shot dead at a tavern on March 29. Four other patrons were injured.
A member of the MK party in Ward 22, Andile Ntlali, 35, was, meanwhile, killed on the night of March 22.
The first SANDF troops rolled into crime hotspots in the metro on Thursday, April 2, as part of a nationwide deployment to stabilise communities affected by gang violence and other serious crimes.
A concerned resident said Mali was among six men believed to have been shot dead in the Kuyga community within two weeks.
There were also fatal shootings on March 16, March 21, March 28 and March 31.
“Residents feel that some of these incidents are drug-related or related to turf wars.
“Others believe it could be linked to the awarding of government tenders.
“But people are scared to talk,” the resident said.
“There are concerns that the police are not doing enough. These incidents were not even reported in the media at the time.
“It’s true that people are scared to talk about what is happening here.
“We need intelligence-gathering capabilities, not the army, to get to the bottom of these senseless crimes.
“We cannot let things go on like this. The army is not a lasting solution,” he said.
Another resident said the community was not aware of any arrests.
“What is clear is that the police are [allegedly] not doing enough.”
ANC regional secretary Siphiwo Tshaka said Mali was an activist.
“It came as a shock when we heard of his passing.
“These crimes are something we have been battling with in the Bay.
“It’s so unfortunate the army deployment happened after [his killing].
“We are heartbroken as party members. Hopefully, these things can be dealt with now that the army has been deployed,” Tshaka said.
A memorial service for Mali took place on Monday afternoon at the Kuyga community hall.
Ntlali was stabbed to death in Njoli Road, Kwazakhele.
MK party members held a candlelight ceremony at the crime scene on March 30.
His distraught father, Simphiwe Yako, said his son was a good man.
“I know my son had no issues with anyone,” Yako said.
“As a family, we’d like to see the perpetrator [brought to book].”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobantu Gantana said some arrests had been made in connection with the various cases.
Gantana said Kabega Park police could confirm a case of murder and four counts of attempted murder after a shooting on March 29 at a tavern in Kuyga.
“According to information available at this stage, the tavern owner reported hearing multiple gunshots while serving patrons.
“Several people fled. Upon inspection, one man was found lying on the floor with a gunshot wound, while another sustained a head injury.
“A third victim was found in the street with a gunshot wound to the upper body.
“A 39-year-old man [Mali] was declared dead at the scene.
“Four other victims, aged between 29 and 40, were transported to Livingstone Hospital for treatment.
“The motive for the shootings is under investigation.
“The SAPS condemns all incidents of violence and urges anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward.”
Gantana said the police acknowledged the community’s concerns regarding recent violent incidents and progress in investigations.
“All cases are being actively investigated, with detectives following up on witness statements, forensic evidence and available footage.
“These investigations are complex and require thorough processes to ensure successful arrests and prosecutions.”
Gantana said police visibility and operations in the area had been intensified while they continued to work with other law enforcement agencies to address crime.
“Community co-operation remains crucial.”
On Ntlali’s case, Gantana said New Brighton police confirmed that a murder case was under investigation.
“Police responded to a complaint of a man lying in the street. Upon arrival, EMS were already on the scene.
“Further medical assessment revealed the victim sustained a stab wound to the right side of the chest.
“The deceased was identified as Ntlali.”
She said the circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.
“The investigation is currently at a sensitive stage, and no further details can be disclosed.”
Govan Mbeki cluster MK party leader Sandile Rwexwana said the party’s leadership in the Bay was extremely concerned about Ntlali’s killing.
“As MKP, we are deeply disturbed by the rate of violent killings in our townships.
“On a daily basis people are being killed.
“They are shot or stabbed, and the culprits never found, meaning these killers still roam our streets.
“The criminal justice system is failing black people in townships,” Rwexwana said.
He said the army needed to work with the police.
“Some of us grew up in [Gqeberha] being known as the Friendly City, but now it has become a murder capital.
“Very soon, as MKP, we will embark on protest action and march to various police stations.
“We also plan to meet new provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata to make submissions on how police can work with the community to fight crime.
“We urge community members with information to come forward and assist the police in their investigations,” he said.
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