ANC Ward Councillor, Mr Sphiwe Montlha, of ward 37 in Soshanguve was shot dead on Tuesday night 22 May 2018 in Block VV after having attended an ANC meeting.
Police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the police were investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after the councillor was shot and another man survived the attack.
IOL reported that Mr Montlha was allegedly shot near his car as he was walking home. His passenger was allegedly later shot in the leg and wounded after getting out of the car and trying to run from the scene.
The passenger was allegedly discharged from hospital and was co-operating with the police to help arrest their assailants.
“His death will leave a very big void in the hearts of those who served with him in the council as he enthusiastically served in various positions with eagerness and great sense of duty,” said the ANC Greater Tswhane Region in a statement.
“I am truly saddened by this tragic loss of one of our very own and pray to God, that he should give us strength and courage to pull through this difficult time,” said ANC Chief Whip in council, Mr Aaron Maluleke.
Mr Montlha served the ANC from a young age. In 2011 the community and the ANC asked him to be the ward councillor of ward 37 during the local government elections and he agreed. He was re-elected in 2016 and has been serving until he was shot dead last night.
Mr Montlha served as the District Chairperson of the Young Communist League, Secretary of sub-district of the SACP, Branch Chairperson of the ANC and also Branch Secretary of the ANC.
Earlier this year Mr Montlha assisted several elderly people whose RDP houses were left incomplete for over 12 months and just last week he held a party for 200 grandmothers around Soshanguve.
