Celani Sikhakhane
A supporter of disgraced former health minister Zweli Mkhize’s bid for the leadership of the ANC was assassinated while travelling home on Wednesday afternoon in KwaZulu-Natal.
Inkosi Danny Mathenjwa, who was a prominent traditional leader in Ngwavuma, was shot 16 times while driving home with his wife through Nyathini, close to the KZN-Mozambique border.
His wife was badly injured in the attack and remains in critical condition in hospital.
Mathenjwa had spent the weeks leading up to his death lobbying for Mkhize to be nominated as ANC president at the upcoming December conference.
He was among the group of traditional leaders in KZN who endorsed Mkhize to accept the presidential candidate nomination at the wedding of his son, Dedanimabhunu Mkhize. Dedanimabhunu’s wedding took place over the weekend at Willowfontein, outside Pietermaritzburg.
A source told Scrolla.Africa that Mathenjwa organised a meeting between the Amakhosi and Mkhize in March, which was attended by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu In Ngwavuma.
The source also said that Mathenjwa was close to Mkhize because even in 2017, ahead of Nasrec 54th ANC elective congress, his daughter had begun working on Mkhize’s presidential campaign.
Mathenjwa’s daughter Sphethile told Scrolla.Africa that her father was shot many times, including in the head.
“He was with my mom travelling home when their vehicle was ambushed by unknown people. My dad died on the scene and my mom is in hospital,” said Sphethile.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Nqobile Gwala said the details of the investigation will determine whether the murder was a hit or not.
“So far we suspect this to be a hit as nothing was taken from the couple,” Gwala said.
Gwala said that the police were informed that a 69-year-old man and his wife were in their vehicle when they were shot by unknown assailants.
“The husband sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the head, upper body and was confirmed dead at the scene. The 70-year-old wife was shot on the arm and was taken to hospital for medical attention. Charges of murder and attempted murder were opened for investigation,” said Gwala.
Scrolla.Africa contacted Mkhize for comment but his phone rang unanswered.
