Political motives suspected in Pietermaritzburg double murder
“Two women were gunned down just like that, who is next?”
Phetheni Ngubane, 60, and Badedile Ntsapha, 54, were on their way back home from an ANC meeting at around 7 pm on 15 June when they were shot. Ntsapha died on the scene and Ngubane died the next day in hospital.
Lindokuhle, Ngubane’s son, said he heard several gunshots not far from his home.
“My sister, Nokuthula Ndlovu, and I rushed to the road … As we were approaching the scene, we were frightened by so many people who looked scared. Little did I know that my mother was lying down, moaning in pain. The other woman was already gone; her body was covered with a blanket. We rushed my mother to Imbalenhle clinic. They immediately rushed us to Edendale Hospital.”
Ndlovu said that while they were in the ambulance, her mother repeatedly told her who shot her.
“Police followed us to the hospital and they were able to take her statement while she was in bed. She told them who shot her and they immediately arrested him,” Ndlovu said.
ANC member Bonginkosi Shabalala of Emaqeleni in Imbali, part of ward 15 in Pietermaritzburg, was arrested. Shabalala was a candidate for the local elections, but the nomination went to Jabulani Nene.
The family of the two victims and other members of the community believe the women were gunned down because they favoured Nene.
Both Ngubane and Ntsapha were community activists in the ward. They were also friends who walked together to attend ANC meetings.
“Every Wednesday, the ANC members hold a meeting at Mehlokazulu High School hall. When I arrived home, my mother was already gone to the meeting as usual. She never missed a meeting. That is how she was close to her political party,” said Ngubane’s son.
A member of the community, who asked not to be named, said, “These two women were the strongest ANC members. The community listened to them and that cost them their life. As they supported Nene, Shabalala knew he had no chance.
“There were already camps, as some supported Nene and others were in Shabalala’s camp. Nene has a strong and visible support while Shabalala only had a few. Ngubane and Ntsapha were with the majority and that is when the problem started.
“We are scared and we don’t what is going to happen. Two women were gunned down just like that, who is next?” she asked.
Shabalala was denied bail on Monday. He will make his second appearance in Pietermaritzburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said, “The case is under the surveillance of the Hawks. The accused will appear in court on Wednesday facing a case of double murder.”
© 2016 GroundUp. 
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