Thokozile Mnguni
Residents of Wallmansthal, north of Pretoria, are living in fear following the death of Monica Dube, a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters and Region 2 secretary in Tshwane.
Dube (44) was shot and killed by unknown men in her home on Saturday.
According to residents who asked not to be named, there have been several attempts to kill Dube.
They say it is clear that there were people who wanted her dead.
Residents told The News Desk that there is a Soshanguve cartel operating around the Wallmansthal area. They allege it is masquerading as a tribal authority that is unregistered and intimidating people into paying certain fees.
“The push behind this death, we suspect it could be after they heard that Tshwane is in the process of formalising this area so that everyone can start paying for services. They want to milk the residents to instead pay someone who claims to be a chief in this area by the name of Ndzunza,” they said.
“All this commotion started when an announcement was made a day before the MMC of Human Settlements in Tshwane, Aaron Maluleka was supposed to come and address the people in March. Monica would post on community groups to inform us to attend, but this cartel would be against the meetings. That is when she was shot eleven times.”
Another resident described Dube as a very transparent leader. She assisted everyone despite their political affiliation.
“She was at the forefront of everything in the area and leading the formalisation of Wallmansthal. We will surely miss her dedication and willingness to always assist,” said the resident.
According to police, the suspects gained entry through the dining room window and fled on foot after firing shots. Dube was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a murder case has been opened at Kameeldrift police station and no arrests have been made yet. Investigations are underway.
Leigh-Ann Mathys said the party would not rest until justice is served.