Mkhambathini council speaker survived a ?hit' when his vehicle was sprayed with heavy gunfire. Speaker Thembalikho Gwala's bodyguard was shot dead while two other bodyguards survived unharmed. 

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION 

It's alleged that Gwala and his bodyguards were driving back from a community meeting in KwaNjobokazi, near Eston, when the incident took place on Thursday afternoon. The gunmen were allegedly carrying AK47s, R5s and pistols and driving in two vehicles when they attacked Gwala's car and his bodyguards returned fire. Gwala lost control of the car and drove into a sugarcane plantation. COGTA MEC in KwaZulu Natal Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi said the assailants shot at the speaker's car several times, resulting in the tragic death of bodyguard Samkelo Chili. "It is deeply concerning that such incidents are still happening in our province, particularly so soon after the commemoration of Freedom Day. While the motive of the attack is not yet known, we are worried about the destabilising effect that such incidents can have on our municipalities. It is imperative that speakers of all councils be able to execute their duties without fear of interference or intimidation from outside. Speakers play a crucial role in the functioning of our local councils, and it is vital that they are able to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation," said Sithole-Moloi. She added that this kind of violence has no place in society and that it must be prevented at all costs. "The safety of our councillors and their staff is of utmost importance, and we must work together to ensure that they can carry out their duties without fear for their lives. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Mkhambathini and offer our condolences to the family and friends of Samkelo Chili. We will do all that we can to ensure that justice is served," concluded MEC Sithole-Moloi. 

ANC CONDEMNS THE KILLING 

The ANC in the province said they strongly condemn the killing of Chili. The ANC in the Moses Mabhida Region said in a statement that they believe the "cowardly act" was aimed at Gwala. "We call on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and bring those responsible to justice." KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the Camperdown police were investigating a case of murder following the incident where a 38-year-old man was killed. No arrests have been made.