A local chief in Mpumalanga, Clyde Mnisi, was shot dead on Sunday night while waiting for a punctured car tire to be repaired.
Mpumalanga chief killed
Mnisi was killed next to the Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport, on Airport Road, near Kali Putih, at around 11pm.
The driver of the car was also shot in the leg. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said he was receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
Mohlala added that the police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.
It was hit when the car’s tire went flat
Mnisi was allegedly ambushed while waiting for help after the Toyota Avanza he was riding in had a flat tire.
“While waiting for help, it was reported that a group of five armed men wearing balaclavas and gloves arrived in a BMW X5. They got out of the vehicle with high caliber guns and went straight to the passenger side where the chief was sitting,” said Mohlala.
He added that the gunmen said to Mnisi before opening fire.
“The chief sustained multiple gunshot wounds and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.”
Mohlala said no one has been arrested yet.
“Police are urging anyone with information that could help the perpetrators to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can submit information through the MYSAPS application. All information received will be treated as confidential and callers may choose to remain anonymous,” he said.
Mnisi was charged with rhino poaching, corruption and money laundering
Julian Rademeyer, Director of the Organized Crime Observatory for Eastern and Southern Africa at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, took to Twitter to provide some background on Mnisi.
He said Mnisi was arrested in September 2018 for crimes including theft, conspiracy to commit crimes, illegal purchase and sale of rhino horn, corruption, money laundering and racketeering.
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He allegedly worked with Hazyview crime boss Petros Sydney Mabuza. Mabuza was killed by gunmen while sitting in a car at Lowveld Mall in Hazyview in June 2021.
Mnisi is set to appear in the Mbombela High Court on April 17, 2023 for rhino poaching.
Rademeyer said that before shooting Mnisi, the gunmen said: “We got you. We told you we would find you.”
Rademeyer also said a female passenger and a security guard who was helping to change a tire were not injured when they were shot.
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