KwaZulu-Natal Councillor who Worked with Slain Anti-Corruption Crusader in Critical Condition after Being Shot

SIHLE MAVUSO|March 11, 2025

KILLED: ANC Councillor in the Mandeni Local Municipality, Phendukani Mabhida, was killed a few days after he wrote to the Speaker accusing his comrades of defending corruption. According to an internal Mandeni SAPS incident report note, Councillor Siphephelo Mathonsi, who worked closely with Mabhida, has been hospitalised after unknown gunmen shot him in the early hours of Sunday, March 9, in the Nembe area. Photo: Supplied

One of the councillors who shot to prominence by speaking out against corruption in the ANC-run Mandeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot.

According to an internal Mandeni SAPS incident report note, Siphephelo Mathonsi was fired at in the early hours of Sunday, March 9, by unknown gunmen in the Nembe area.

The incident happened around 1:20 am. Mathonsi was rushed to the General Gizenga hospital in Stanger, where he is said to be in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Mathonsi is a proportional representative (PR) of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the corruption-plagued council.

He was a close associate of the slain Phendukani Mabhida, a councillor of the ANC who was killed last month after speaking out against corruption in the municipality. He had been vocal against some council members who allegedly shielded municipal officials fingered in corruption.

Two suspects who are from the notorious KwaMashu hostel in Durban are currently in custody for the murder of Mabhida.

The IFP has yet to comment officially on the matter.