A pastor who is also a councillor at the Mhlathuze Local Municipality in KwaZulu Natal was gunned down in front of his congregants during a prayer service at his home in Nseleni township, outside Richards Bay. The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) councillor John Myaka was allegedly shot three times by two gunmen on Tuesday.

A PEACEFUL MAN OF GOD 

Myaka was certified dead on the scene. It’s understood that Myaka was conducting a church service when two armed men entered his church, accosted and shot him three times. The motive for the killing is not yet known. Myaka was known to be a peaceful man of God who had no known enemies. He was not involved in politics until he was recruited by ACDP provincial leader Bishop Eric Manqele to join the party. Bishop Manqele said that he and Myaka worked together very well in growing the party in Kwazulu-Natal. "He was very cooperative in taking and implementing the provincial leadership’s directives on the 2024 election strategy. The ACDP wants to categorically condemn this act of brutality and demands that law enforcement agencies ensure that the perpetrators of this horrific crime are brought to justice," he said. Manqele added that the rate of killings in KZN has escalated to unbearable proportions. "It is time that both the provincial and national governments take serious steps to deal decisively with the high rate of crime in the country, particular in KZN. It is evident that the plans implemented by Minister Bheki Cele to curb violence in this province are not working," he said. 

CALLING FOR SWIFT ARREST 

Manqele further called for the swift arrest of the murderers. "There should also be conviction of criminals as an indication that there is political willingness to eradicate crime in SA," said Manqele. KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Bongiwe Sithole Moloi said councillor Myaka’s untimely demise serves as a sombre reminder that society must unite against the senseless violence that threatens the very fabric of our communities. â€?"We call upon citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in establishing a safer environment for all, ensuring that those responsible for this reprehensible act are held accountable,” she said. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident. "The police are investigating a case of murder that took place in Nseleni township on Tuesday. The motive for the murder is still unknown," he said.