Luphert Chilwane
6 January 2009
Johannesburg — THE South African Local Government Association (Salga) yesterday condemned the killing of Mbombela Local Municipality speaker and African National Congress (ANC) councillor Jimmy Mohlala.
Salga chairman Amos Masondo said the association was dismayed by the killing and called on the police to make speedy arrests.
Mohlala, who is credited with blowing the whistle on alleged corruption in his municipality involving the manipulation of tenders relating to 2010 Soccer World Cup projects, was shot dead at his house on Sunday evening while parking his car. His 19-year-old son was wounded.
"Councillor Mohlala was a diligent and committed servant of the people and his passing leaves a void that will take time to fill, not only at the Mbombela municipality, but also within the government sector," Masondo said.
Mohlala was in the news about a year ago after reports that some ANC members wanted him sacked for blowing the whistle on a colleague, Mbombela municipal manager Jacob Dladla.
The ANC then recalled him , but Mohlala refused to step down. At the time of his murder, the party was in the process of taking disciplinary action against him.
ANC provincial secretary Lucky Ndinisa said yesterday Mohlala's death had robbed the party of a cadre who would be difficult to replace.
The motive for the murder is unknown, and police said robbery did not appear to be the motive .
With Sapa
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