COSA: ANC Councillor was killed because of VBS
Tributes are pouring in for the late African National
Congress (ANC) councillor in Fetakgomo-Greater Tubatse Local Municipality,
Thabang Maupa, who was fatally shot on Monday night.
Maupa was a critic of the mayor and a strong opposer of the municipality investing in the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.
The Municipality invested over R210-million into VBS, just over 38% of its annual revenue and is now facing bankrupcy.
Maupa and his wife were sitting in a car when they were ambushed by unknown suspects.
Maupa’s 40-year-old wife survived the incident with injuries after a stray bullet hit her.
Christians of South Africa’s (COSA) Pastor Derick Mosoana says the organisation is shocked that Maupa's killing comes after he has expressed his concern over the VBS saga.
"We believe that the shooting was politically motivated because he and other members of the ANC have been receiving death threats," says Mosoana.
Mosoana adds Maupa was vocal in council meetings, calling for action to be taken against the mayor, Johannes Phokane, and municipal manager, Patience Busani.
"It was unfortunate that councillor Thabang knew that he was to be killed, but we didn’t know this soon."
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The cash-strapped municipality has since been placed under administration.
Police Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the motive behind the killing is still unknown and the incident is being investigated.
The police are offering a reward of R50 000 to anyone who has information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
The ANC in the province could not yet be reached for comment.