GEORGE NEWS - Two suspects appeared in the Thembalethu court today, 10 March on charges of murder and attempted murder following the death of Welele Mbudede (60), a leader in the minibus taxi industry and stakeholder in the George Integrated Public Transport Network (Go George). Mbudede was shot and killed outside his home in Thembalethu.
The accused, aged 23 and 39, were both arrested in George and remanded in custody.
The case was postponed to 30 March for a formal bail application. The case is being investigated by the WC Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes detectives (Taxi Violence Unit).
Police Spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said the investigation indicates that the victim and a family member were outside their residence at Zone 6 in Thembalethu on Wednesday 1 March when two armed men appeared.
“The men randomly fired several rounds fatally wounding the 60-year-old victim and wounding the other who sustained an injury to the leg. The victim (60) was later declared dead by paramedics on scene.” Spies said this is an ongoing investigation.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie welcomed these arrests: “I commend the team of detectives and SAPS leadership who have worked on the case, which we hope will be processed speedily through the courts. I trust this will give some comfort to the family of Mr Mbudede and the local community,” said Mackenzie.
"The roll out of the Go George bus service in Thembalethu is a key priority, and we need to ensure the safety of all involved. Criminal elements cannot be allowed to hold back service delivery for residents. A successful trial run of the bus routes has been conducted this week in preparation for the launch of the Thembalethu service."
Mackenzie said the Western Cape Government invested significantly in supporting the Go George bus service, which is a partnership between local, provincial and national government. “We believe that mobility is critical for growing the economy, creating jobs and connecting people to opportunities," he said.
Mackenzie referred to his visit to George earlier this week, saying it was agreed that there should be no further delays in connecting Thembalethu to the Go George mobility network.
Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, said the collaboration between SAPS and other stakeholders is encouraging, especially seeing as Thembalethu is one of their Safety Plan Priority Areas.
“We now call on the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute this case effectively. I have already prepared to initiate a watching brief on the case. This should send a strong message to those who attempt to hold communities, commuters and government hostage through violence and extortion, that justice will be pursued."
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