Newcastle,KwaZulu-Natal
Senior executive and two bodyguards injured as police launch investigation
The Newcastle Municipality has confirmed that a senior municipal official was the target of a serious and deliberate criminal attack in the early hours of Monday morning, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the local government community.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Senior Executive Director for Corporate Services was attacked by unknown assailants while travelling to work shortly after departing from his residence. The attack involved the discharge of firearms, resulting in injuries to the executive director and his two assigned bodyguards. All three were immediately transported to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), under the authority of the Newcastle Police Station, has launched a full investigation into the incident. At this stage, no motive has been established and no arrests have been made. The Municipality has emphasised that it will not entertain speculation or the politicisation of the incident while investigations remain ongoing.
Condemning the attack , the Mayor of Newcastle Xolani Dube, described the incident as a direct assault not only on an individual, but on the stability and integrity of local government. He reassured residents that municipal operations remain unaffected.
“This is a brazen and deeply disturbing criminal act. The Municipality remains fully functional, governance is intact, and service delivery will continue without disruption,” said Dube.
The Municipality has confirmed that it is providing the necessary institutional support to the affected official and has appealed to the public, the media, and social media users to respect the privacy, dignity, and well-being of the official, his family, and colleagues during this difficult period.
Municipal Manager Zamani Mcineka also strongly condemned the attack, expressing confidence in law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter. He stated that the Municipality trusts SAPS to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they face the full might of the law.
Municipal leadership has further issued a firm warning against the circulation of unverified information, speculation, or the sharing of sensitive images or footage relating to the incident. Such actions, officials cautioned, are irresponsible, may compromise ongoing investigations, and could carry legal consequences.
The Newcastle Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to full cooperation with law enforcement authorities and has assured the public that further updates will be communicated strictly through official platforms as verified information becomes available.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, the Municipality has reiterated its unwavering commitment to institutional stability, the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of services to the people of Newcastle.
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