An ANC ward councillor's life was cut short when an armed suspect opened fire, killing him instantly. Lot Nkuna (55) from Mkhuhlu in Mpumalanga was shot and killed alongside his friend while the third person was seriously injured at Tsema-Marhumbu in Calcutta on Saturday night.

According to a family member, Wonder Mhlongo, the ward councillor was fatally shot whilst inside a VW Polo together with David Matsane (52) whose lifeless body was found lying on the ground. "I was in my house when I received a call informing me that my brother had been shot. I was told that one person appeared from nowhere and shot and killed my brother and his two friends. We don't want to point fingers but it seems as if it was a hit because there was no robbery. Nothing was taken because their cellphones were found on the scene," Mhlongo said. He said the family was still trying to find answers on why Nkuna was murdered. Nkuna was described as a people's person who loved to uplift his community. "As a family we are distraught about his death. The government must do something about the killings of councillors," he said. Mhlongo added that they are now hoping that the third victim who sustained gunshot wounds will be able to help the cops make arrests soon. The third victim was taken to a medical facility where he is receiving medical treatment.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed the incident. "Preliminary investigation by the police revealed that a male suspect who was wearing a hoody allegedly went past the victims then suddenly returned and started shooting. Seven 9 mm spent cartridges as well as one live round were found on the scene. The body of the councillor was found inside the car which suggests that he could have been shot whilst seating on the driver's seat," Mohlala said. It is also suspected that Nkuna's friend Matsane was shot while standing outside the car. "Police as well as the paramedics were summoned to the scene and upon arrival, the two were unfortunately certified dead. Details on where the third victim that was shot and injured will unfold as the investigation continues. The motive of the shooting is still unknown at this stage. No one has been arrested so far and police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspect," he said.