Crossroads shaken by killing of ANC councillor Lazola Gungxe

The community of Crossroads in Nyanga in Cape Town has been left reeling after the murder of an African National Congress (ANC) councillor this week.

Lazola Gungxe was shot dead on Tuesday after attending a community meeting at the Old Crossroads Community Hall.

Gungxe was killed in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the area.

"He was shot because they believed he had control in terms of who gets to be awarded tenders by the City of Cape Town," says Nyanga Community Policing Forum Chairperson Martin Makasi.

He says witnesses who were in the area before the killing say Gungxe was asked about the tenders before he was shot.

"He told them he doesn't have access in terms of who gets awarded the tender."

While no arrests have yet been made, Makasi says the community knows who is responsible for Gungxe's murder.

"The biggest challenge is whether they are going to be willing to cooperate with the police; they will say they are scared.

He adds that local gangs and hitmen have struck fear into the community, leaving residents reluctant to speak to the authorities.

"You cannot, as a normal person, walk into an office and shoot someone, and you do it in full view of other community members. That should tell you they are sending a clear message."

Gungxe’s death follows the killings of five councillors in the area in recent years, including Elese Depouche in 2018 and Nokuthula Bolitye in 2021, both ANC councillors who were also shot dead in the area.

"Councillor Gungxe is councillor number five. So, there is a clear political killing machine that is operating in Crossroads," says Makasi.

For more detailed information, listen to Makasi using the audio player below: