EFF Councillor gunned down in Matlelerekeng
Matlerelekeng
The police in Limpopo have activated a high level team of investigators to search for suspects responsible for the brutal murder of Johannes Libitsi Mpye (46), who was Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor in Matlerelekeng Village outside Marble Hall. Mpye was attached to Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) as a PR Councillor.
According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, the victim was shot dead at his home in Ga-Botha Village in Matlelerekeng in the evening of Thursday 25 May 2023.
“His body was discovered the following day at about 07:00. The police were alerted about the incident by community members and upon arrival, they found the deceased lying in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to his neck. According to reports, a gunshot was heard on Thursday night at about 21:00 but nobody saw what happened,” explained Ledwaba.
Ledwaba indicated that subsequent to the police’s extensive investigations, the deceased’s Ford Ranger bakkie was later recovered hidden in the bushes at the nearby village.
Following the incident, the police Management in Limpopo, represented by Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala, joined by District Commissioner Major General Lehabe-Metsi visited the crime scene.
“A case of murder and robbery has been registered. Anyone who know or may have witnessed what transpired is encouraged to urgently call Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 876 6429, the Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or nearest police station,” he said.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, described the incident, senseless.
“We call upon the community to come forward with information that can assist police to arrest the killers,” she said.
EFF Provincial Leader in Limpopo, Tshilidi Maraga, condemned the murder of the councillor, saying the party has lost a selfless and dedicated community leader.
“He was very much active in the community, he was the real ground force and used to transport pensioners to their pay points especially during grants. When his murder was announced, he was supposed to have transported learners without IDs to Home Affairs in Marble Hall. He was more involved in his community and had good working relationship with the local tribal authorities,” said Maraga.
Mpye was sworn in as the PR Councillor in EPMLM after attaining the second position during the 2021 local government elections. He contested in ward 2 in the local municipality and managed to attain 1 537 votes, which equals to 46.95% performance for the EFF.
Maraga said Mpye was one of the few councillors who had adhered to the call to secure buses for the 10th anniversary celebration.
“Fighters from Ephraim Mogale were left devastated because not so long they buried Fighter Tlaka, and six months down the line it is Fighter Mpye. As the EFF, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Mpye family, relatives, friends and the ground forces of our movement. We would also like to thank the dedication shown by the SAPS Limpopo and we hope and trust that soon the murderers will be apprehended and brought to book,” she said.
