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A year after surviving another attack on his life Councillor Sibusiso Gqeba was murdered.
The Ward 9 ANC councillor (Vredenburg, Ongegund) was shot and killed in front of his house just before midnight on 15 September last week on his return home after visiting a friend. This had not been the first attempt on his life, as he survived two before.
In September 2022, Weslander reported on a gunmen opening fire on both Gqeba, who was a passenger in a vehicle, and the driver (“Raadslede ‘lewe in vrees’”, 8 September 2023).
During that incident Gqeba was shot eight times in the back and the driver in his right arm. Vivid Mgoqi, a spokesperson for the family, said this was a very difficult time for them. “Before the September 2022 incident a man was visiting Gqeba’s house when a gunman shot and killed him, thinking it was Gqeba,” he related.
Mgoqi said the family was aware there were hits on his life and he had lived in fear for himself and his family ever since.
Theresa Rossouw, a local ANC councillor and friend of Gqeba, also confirmed he had feared for his life and received threats. She served as acting councillor in Gqeba’s stead in October last year until July this year. She explained after the shooting in September 2022 Gqeba was kept in hospital for a number of weeks.
“Subsequent to his discharge he was taken to a safe house in another province and kept under guard by security. Gqeba then returned in December to the same community where he was shot at the first time.”
Rossouw, furthermore, said he was placed on special leave and had security at his home during the day and at night. “He was then sent an email, which stated his protection was revoked and that he had to return to his full duties.”
Gqeba wrote numerous letters raising concerns around safety and pleading with the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) for his security to be reinstated, which fell on deaf ears.
Ethne Lawrence, spokesperson for SBM, said the municipality was saddened by the loss of the councillor and strongly condemned such violent and brutal attacks. “Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time,” she said. “The case is being investigated by the South African Police Services. The municipality is unfortunately not in a position to comment further on the matter.”
Rossouw said she was angered by this horrific incident, “for this is something that could have been prevented. If only people had listened to his pleas and done what was right. There are no words that can describe how one feels.” Gqeba was described as a good man who stood by what is right. He was said to be a family and community man.
Captain Frederick van Wyk, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed police were investigating a murder case following a shooting incident on Friday 15 September, around 23:30, in Ongegund, Vredenburg, where a 40-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded. “Police were notified of a murder. On their arrival at the crime scene they found the deceased lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his body. Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation.”
Mgoqi said there will be a memorial service.
“We are not going to be held back by these criminals,” he declared.
