ANC Eastern Cape condemns ‘politically motivated’ murders of members

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has condemned the killing of its members, which they have described to be “politically motivated.”

Mncedisi Gijana, ANC Regional Executive Committee member in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, was gunned down outside his home last week.

In the Raymond Mhlaba region, ANC councillor Mpho Mahleza was also killed outside his home on Thursday.

Gijana was laid to arrest in KwaBhaca, formerly known as Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape on Saturday.

High-profile ANC member, Mncedisi Gijana is laid to rest at eLubhacweni in Mount Frere

The late Gijana was described as a family man and community builder.

It’s alleged he was held hostage by heavily armed assailants wearing balaclavas before he was gunned down on his arrival at his home.

Family spokesperson, Mayibongwe Nqeketho says the family was still reeling from shock over the politician’s death.

“We are very devastated by the passing of our brother Mncedisi. We cannot believe this. It came as a surprise. We were not expecting this. He has left many kids that are still young. The youngest is two-years-old now and he also left his wife. She is also too young,” he says.

Yanga Makhogwana, chairperson of the Mthatha Brotherhood Branch, also lamented Gijina’s death.

“We have lost a member who has played a very prominent role in the upliftment of communities in KwaBhaca. He has also assisted us in various branches in terms of advising and how he made it a point that we play a role in our communities by reaching out to those who are victims of violence, abuse and GBV, in particular,” he says.

Circulating hit list

Meanwhile, the ANC in the Alfred Nzo region alleges there is a circulating hit list with the names of nine ANC members, including its regional secretary.

The regions’ secretary Polelo Mohale says: “There is a list circulating in the region. The author seems to have started penning the list on August 17 as comrade Gijana was shot on the Monday after that. The list has some names that are leading in the political space and some are leading in the Council.”

Mohale said he and others fall in the category of people who appear to be “frustrating a particular narrative.”

He says they have since opened cases with the local police.

ANC PEC member Ntandokazi Capa says: “We do understand that the issue of crime is prevalent, especially in the province. But we all want to condemn this and send our condolences to the family. As the ANC, we have lost a leader. During these trying times, especially in the ANC, we really need leaders like comrade Mncedisi. It is really saddening for us as ANC members.”

Another ANC Councillor at Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Mpho Mahleza, was also gunned down outside his house at Bedford.

In both cases, the police are investigating cases of murder.