The “state” of security at the City of uMhlathuze Municipality’s offices has raised concerns following the deadly shooting of the mayor and city manager’s bodyguards.

During a fact-finding meeting with the executive council, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi raised her concerns.

She advised the executive council of the northern KwaZulu-Natal municipality to implement stringent measures to improve security and control firearm access within its premises.

“As the KZN Cogta, we would like to assure the residents of uMhlathuze Municipality that we are investigating the matter, and stringent measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of councillors, staff, and the community,” said Sithole-Moloi.

On 28 March the municipality confirmed the shooting.

“The City of uMhlathuze Municipality regrets to inform the public of a tragic shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of this morning at the municipal head office in Richard’s Bay. The South African Police Service has confirmed that two workers have tragically lost their lives as a result of this incident,” said municipal spokesman Bongani Gina.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda: “Information at police disposal at this stage indicates that an off-duty bodyguard shot and fatally wounded another bodyguard. A third bodyguard, who was the colleague of the first victim, shot and fatally wounded the perpetrator.”