FALLEN COMRADE - Tributes poor in for slain ANC PR Councillor

Condolences and calls for decisive action continued to pour in on Wednesday following the killing of City of Cape Town ANC councillor Lazola Gungxe, who was shot dead during a community engagement at the Old Crossroads Community Hall in Nyanga.

Political parties across the spectrum said the killing once again highlighted the growing dangers faced by councillors working in high-risk communities.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said the murder underscored longstanding concerns about the safety of councillors serving in vulnerable areas. EFF proportional representative Banzi Dambuza said the party had come out in solidarity with the ANC and the Gungxe family.

“Councillors staying in locations are not safe at all, with issues of extortion and mass murders taking place in the city,” Dambuza said, adding that repeated calls for protection for councillors had not been acted on.

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) described the killing as a blow to democratic governance. ACDP caucus leader Mongezi Mabungane said Gungxe’s death had left a significant void in local government.

“This brutal killing undermines the very fabric of our democracy and the safety of those who serve our communities,” Mabungane said, calling on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.

South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial secretary Benson Ngqentsu condemned what he described as the “cowardly assassination” of the councillor, warning that unresolved political killings continued to erode public confidence in the justice system.

“This is an attack not only on an individual, but on democratic governance and community service,” Ngqentsu said.

The GOOD Party also expressed condolences and renewed concerns about the safety of public representatives. GOOD City of Cape Town councillor Jonathan Cupido said councillors were often working on the front lines in volatile environments.

“When a councillor is murdered while performing this role, it is not only a personal tragedy, but an attack on public service and community stability,” Cupido said, calling for urgent action to curb the spread of illegal firearms.

The Democratic Alliance also extended its condolences. DA provincial spokesperson Matthew Sims said: “The DA extends our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Cllr Gungxe. We trust the law will take its course.”

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais condemned the killing and called on the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough and urgent investigation.

“Such acts of violence have no place in our society and must be met with the full might of the law,” Marais said, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Police have confirmed that a murder case has been opened and that the motive for the killing remains under investigation. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.