Chief Clyde Mnisi (37) from Bohlabela in the Ehlanzeni District was fatally shot next to Kruger-Mpumalanga International (KMI) Airport.
The incident occurred on the Airport Road near White River in the evening on Sunday around 23:10.
According to police, his driver sustained some injuries on the leg after being shot during this incident, however he survived to tell the fate.
“Chief Mnisi together with his driver were travelling in a Toyota Avanza when they had a puncture. Whilst waiting for assistance, it is alleged that a group of about five heavily armed men wearing balaclavas and gloves came in a BMW X5. They then alighted from the vehicle with high calibre rifles and went straight to the passenger side where the chief was seated,” according to a police report.
It is further reported that they then uttered some words to the chief before they began shooting. The chief sustained multiple gunshot wounds and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Thereafter, the suspects reportedly fled the scene in their BMW. The driver is said to be receiving medical treatment from his injuries.
Police in White River were alerted about the incident and upon arrival, a case of murder with an additional charge of attempted murder was opened and is under investigation.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of the Chief.
“The team of investigators is working around the clock to ensure that all perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly brought to book,” said Mkhwanazi.
The DA in the province has called on the police to as a matter of utter urgency ensure the people involved in the murder of Mnisi are swiftly brought to book to face the full might of the law.
“We also call on the police to investigate if Mnisi’s murder is not linked to the alleged multiple charges he’s facing and the court case he was expected to attend next month.”
“There are reports that Mnisi was one of six people arrested in September 2018 and charged with theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, the illegal buying and selling of rhino horn, corruption, and money laundering. He was expected to appear in the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela next month,” Spokesperson on Community Safety, Security and Liaison Trudie Grovè-Morgan said.
No one has been arrested so far, and police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
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