GEORGE NEWS FLASH - This morning, Richard Shumi, president of the Thembalethu Business Partnership condemned last night’s murder of Wesley Sikhumbuzo Mini, the chairman of Uncedo taxi association in George.
Upon being informed of the shocking turn of events, he said: “This is sad news. I deplore any loss of life, and more so when a business leader's life is lost while he still had an important role to play. We should respect one another's lives. I feel that we cannot continue to go on like this, because I don't see where this is leading us.
“His death is a big loss for the community of Thembalethu and I offer my condolences to his family. All I can say after this latest shock is that the police must investigate this thoroughly. It is a big set-back for the negotiations between the various roleplayers involved in introducing a much needed public transport service (GO GEORGE). All the more reason for the roll-out of the GO GEORGE bus service to go ahead."
Shumi spoke to the George Herald just before the start of George Business Chamber's (GBC) last breakfast 0f 2016 which was held at Ilita Lodge near Great Brak.
Dr Willie Cilliers, GBC president agreed that the murder is very bad news, especially in light of the chamber's efforts to create an inclusive economy where everybody has access to business opportunities.
“The minster for public transport and public works of the Western Cape government, Mr Donald Grant, and the mayor of George, Melvin Naik, today expressed their sincere condolences about the untimely death of Mr Wesley Sikhumbuzu Mini, chairperson of Uncedo.
‘We are all shocked to hear of the tragic and premature death of Mr Mini. This is not the first time that the taxi industry in George has been marred by brutal acts of violence that have resulted in the loss of life. On the 25 May 2014, GO GEORGE chief negotiator Mr Tom Queba was also tragically shot and killed. Queba's killer was eventually brought to justice, and sentenced to 20 years in prison for his crime in November 2015.
We hope that the police will be just as vigilant with bringing those responsible for Mr Mini’s killing as they have been in the past. These criminal acts of violence cannot be tolerated, and those carrying out such acts must be brought to justice.
The memory of Mr Mini's leadership will continue to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to the community of Thembalethu and George as a whole.”
We hope that the police will be just as vigilant with bringing those responsible for Mr Mini’s killing as they have been in the past. These criminal acts of violence cannot be tolerated, and those carrying out such acts must be brought to justice.
The memory of Mr Mini's leadership will continue to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to the community of Thembalethu and George as a whole.”
ARTICLE & PHOTO: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
