Man questioned over ANC official's murder

2012-07-20 07:45

Wandile Mkhize (File)

Indhrannie Pillay, The Witness

Durban - A 41-year-old man who was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm is being questioned by Margate police about the murder of African National Congress councillor Wandile Mkhize.

The suspect is in police custody. “The man was arrested…for the illegal possession of a gun," police spokesperson Captain Gerald Mfeka told The Witness on Thursday.

 “He is also being questioned by police about Wandile Mkhize’s murder.”

Mfeka could not give the exact details of the man’s arrest.

“Investigators were still busy questioning him until late,” he said.

Attack

ANC regional secretary for the South Coast, Mzwandile Mkhwanazi, said the party did not know about the suspect being questioned.

“We did not hear of anything. We appreciate any endeavour to apprehend all who are involved in Wandile’s murder.”

“We have faith in the law and will allow for the law to take its course,” he added.

Mkhize was killed in a hail of bullets outside his Manaba home late last month. He had just returned home from the ANC policy conference in Johannesburg.

Shortly before his death, Mkhize sent an SMS to Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula about his concerns over divisions in the ruling party.

At the time of his murder, Mkhize was chief whip of the ANC in Hibiscus Coast Municipality. The top brass of the ANC attended his funeral, including President Jacob Zuma, Mbalula and Public Enterprise Minister, Malusi Gigaba.

Mkhize’s brother, Nkosi, said: “We were told about the man being questioned for Wandile’s murder. We will have to wait and see what comes of it.

“His death has left a huge void in all our lives, but thanks to prayers and the strength from God we are able to bear it.”

Nhlakanipho Shabane, who was was also shot in the attack on Mkhize, is still in a serious condition in hospital.
 

- The Witness