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3 weeks ago
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Emalahleni Local Municipality chief whip and portfolio head for infrastructure development and human settlements Xoliseka Lali has been shot dead in Komani, Eastern Cape.
Emalahleni Local Municipality/Supplied
- Emalahleni Local Municipality chief whip Xoliseka Lali has been shot dead at his home in Komani, Eastern Cape.
- Police say the motive for the murder is not yet known.
- Lali, who was the ANC Chris Hani regional leader, was discovered in his bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds.
Emalahleni Local Municipality chief whip and portfolio head for infrastructure development and human settlements Xoliseka Lali has been shot dead in Komani, Eastern Cape.
Not to be confused with the municipality in Mpumalanga, the Emalahleni municipality, where Lali was chief whip, is in the Eastern Cape and falls under the Chris Hani district.
Lali was also an ANC sub-regional chairperson.
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, officers responded to a shooting at a home in the South East Village estate, where they discovered Lali’s body.
“Reports indicate that in the early hours of the morning, the deceased’s wife attempted to contact him but was unsuccessful,” said Gantana.
“She then asked her brother-in-law to check on him.”
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Gantana added that the brother found the security gate and front door open upon arrival. Inside, he noticed a live round of ammunition in the passage. In the bedroom, he discovered Lali lying on the bed with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and back.
The motive for the murder remains unclear, and police were still combing the scene by late afternoon.
Lali was described as a dedicated servant of the people who served Emalahleni Local Municipality with diligence.
Mayor Nontombizanele Koni said she was shocked by Lali’s tragic passing.
“We would like to request that we must remain calm even though it hurts to lose a young man with potential to serve the nation,” said Koni.
Xoliseka was a pillar of strength in so many ways in our council as he was deployed to lead us, as the majority party in council and, automatically, as the whip of council.
The mayor said Lali’s approach to resolving issues was to find consensus to ensure service delivery.
“We have lost a dedicated cadre of the people,” she said.
“A young energetic man who was ready to tackle any challenge faced in our communities. This loss is painful to us councillors who have served with him since 2021. And as the executive committee and the troika, it will never be the same to face his absence,” added Koni.
Anyone with information that might assist this investigation is urged to contact the police’s Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or submit a tip anonymously via the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” said Gantana.
