Emalahleni Local Municipality has been rocked by the tragic killing of Councillor Xoliseka Bathandwa Lali, the Portfolio Head for Infrastructure Development and Human Settlement, who also served as the Chief Whip of Council. Councillor Lali was found shot dead at his residence in South East Village, Komani, on Tuesday morning.
Lali, a Proportional Representative of the African National Congress (ANC) since 2021, was described as a dedicated public servant and a pillar within the Council. According to police reports, his wife became concerned after being unable to reach him and asked his brother to check on him. Upon arrival, the brother found the doors open and a live round of ammunition in the passage. He then discovered Lali in his bedroom, fatally shot multiple times in the upper body and back.
A manhunt has since been launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS), with investigators actively processing the crime scene and seeking information about the unknown suspects. The motive for the shooting remains unclear at this stage.
Mayor Nontombizanele Koni, in an emotional statement, expressed deep sorrow:
“We are shocked by this tragic incident, which is foreign in our space. Xoliseka was a glue that bound us in Council, a young man with immense potential. We have lost a true servant of the people.”
The municipality has called for calm while urging the public to support the grieving family and allow police to continue their investigation.
The Speaker of Council, Cllr Ncedisa Mtyobile, echoed the call for justice, noting:
“We are with the family in prayer and hope the perpetrators are swiftly brought to book.”
SAPS has urged anyone with information that may assist the investigation to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to report anonymously. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
