Clyde Mnisi was named the new chief during a coronation ceremony in October. (Photo: SAPS)
Clyde Mnisi, chief of the Mnisi tribal authority in Mpumalanga, died on Sunday evening in a hail of bullets on the airport road near White River.
According to Brig. Selvy Mohlala, spokesperson for the police in Mpumalanga, apparently got a flat tire on the vehicle, after which Mnisi – who was sitting on the passenger side – and his car driver were forced to stop.
A group of five heavily armed men with balaclavas and gloves allegedly arrived on the scene shortly afterwards in a BMW X5 while Mnisi and his car driver waited by the side of the road for help.
According to Mohlala, the heavily armed men rushed straight to the passenger side, where Mnisi was sitting.
“The suspects apparently said something to Mnisi before they started shooting. They then fled the scene.”
Mnisi suffered multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries.
The car driver also suffered gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
A case of murder with an additional charge of attempted murder has been filed and is currently being investigated by the police.
The victim was due to appear next month with other co-accused on various charges in the High Court in Mpumalanga. He is in September 2018 arrest. He was named the new chief during a coronation ceremony in October.
Prosecutors claim Mnisi was part of a syndicate suspected of smuggling poached rhinoceros horns on a large scale.
He was charged with various crimes including theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, illegal buying and selling of rhino horns, corruption, money laundering and racketeering.
“No one has so far been arrested for the murder of Mnisi and the police appeal to anyone with information that can help arrest the suspects to come forward,” says Brig. Example
Call the Stop Crime number on 08600 10111 if you have any information regarding the incident. Members of the public can also send information via the MYSAPSAPP.
