Crossroads community mourns tragic killing of local leader Lazola Gungxe

The Crossroads community has been left shocked and angered following the killing of local leader Lazola Gungxe in the area on Tuesday, February 3.

Mr Gungxe was reportedly attacked by unknown suspects in his office shortly after a community meeting.

Residents say his death forms part of a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting African National Congress (ANC) leaders in the area, but provincial police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said that the motive for the killing has not yet been established.

He said police are investigating the murder.

In March 2018, ANC councillor Elese Depouche was shot dead at his home in Crossroads shortly after 8pm. Two years later, in May 2020, another ANC councillor, Nokuthula Bolitye, was gunned down outside her home.

Community members who spoke to Vukani described Mr Gungxe’s killing as “extremely painful” and deeply unsettling. Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, a resident identified as Phikolomzi said the repeated killings of councillors had become the norm in the area.

“This is the third councillor to die from gun violence. This is painful. We are not stupid; people are not fools. The ANC must explain why its councillors are facing such violent deaths. Is this an inside job linked to criminality, or are these councillors involved in things we do not know about?” he asked.

Despite the anger and suspicion, Phikolomzi said the safety of community leaders should be prioritised.

“Our leaders are not safe. They should be protected at all costs,” he said.

Another resident, Zizipho, blamed the community for failing to safeguard its leaders. She said residents should play an active role in protecting those who serve them.

“Who would want to lead us if we do not protect our leaders? As a community, we must take responsibility. His death is extremely painful to some of us,” she said.

Luvo, another resident, expressed a more direct view, claiming the violence was politically driven. “The ANC is killing itself. This is political, and they know it. There are factions here, and they are killing each other. Crossroads has always had these camps since the time of Depouche. We must not be fooled,” he said.

ANC Dullah Omar Region spokesperson Akhona Jonginamba said the party was devastated by the tragic and untimely death of one of its dedicated councillors.

“We are in communication with the relevant authorities as a full investigation is underway. During this time of profound shock and grief, our primary focus is on supporting the bereaved family, colleagues, and the community,” he said.

He appealed to the media and the public to respect the family’s need for privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

ANC Dullah Omar Region chairperson Ndithini Tyhido also condemned the killing, describing it as a "terrible tragedy."

He said Mr Gungxe was a “soldier for justice” who lost his life while serving the people of Ward 36. Mr Tyhido explained that Mr Gungxe had been acting in the role after the ward councillor fell ill.

The ANC extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and comrades of the fallen councillor, and called for calm, urging residents to allow the law to take its course.

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