WHAT was supposed to be a positive and uplifting event took a wrong turn on Monday, 29 January.
This after a Rand Water executive member was shot dead during a shoe donation in Zakariyya Park, south of Joburg.
The water utility said that as an organisation, they were shocked and devastated by the tragic passing of their "treasured colleague".
Rand Water said the incident took place during their Back to School Campaign which was held at the Zakariyya Park Community Centre.
“Our policy prohibits the organisation from releasing the employee's name without the family's consent. The water utility does not have further details but is working closely with investigators as they assess and investigate the tragic incident. We will be providing updates as they are released to us,” they said.
“As an organisation, we ask the media to please respect the highly sensitive nature of this incident for our employees and the family of the executive,” Rand Water pleaded.
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The shooting resulted in two people being killed and the chief whip in the City of Joburg, and Ward 122’s councillor Sithembiso Zungu sustaining injuries to his arm and leg. He's currently receiving medical attention.
The councilor was rushed to hospital soon after the incident. According to witnesses, it is alleged that a white SUV, vehicle registration unknown, was seen speeding off shortly after the shooting.
The event was scheduled for 9am until 11.30am. The chairman of the Rand Water Board Ramateu Monyokolo and chief executive Sipho Mosai were meant to hand over school shoes and uniforms to the value of R470 000 to 1 670 pupils from eight schools in Ward 122 of the City of Joburg.
Council Speaker Margaret Arnold said the chief whip, who was attending to official Council business, is currently alive and receiving medical attention.
The Gauteng police said circumstances surrounding the incident are still unknown, and they've launched a manhunt for the suspects who fled the scene in an unknown white vehicle.
“The motive behind the shooting is not known at this stage. Police request anyone who may have information that can assist with the investigations to contact the CrimeStop line at 08600 10111 or anonymously report tip-offs on MySapsApp which can be downloaded on any smartphone,” Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said.
