Tragic shooting: Stellenbosch's former deputy mayor killed near church

In a third deadly shooting of prominent figures in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, authorities are investigating the murder of former deputy mayor Nyaniso Jindela, who was gunned down outside a church on Monday night.

Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, said the 59-year-old was shot in the neck while standing outside a church on Vineyard Street.

Emergency services responded to the scene, but Jindela succumbed to his wounds before medical assistance could be rendered.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and no arrests have been made at this stage.

Jindela was a well-known figure in local government and previously served as deputy mayor of Stellenbosch.

His murder follows that of DA councillor and mayco member for Community Services in Stellenbosch, Xolile Kalipa, 54, who was shot in his chest in Swart Street on May 4.

Former ANC councillor Lindikhaya Maqeba was murdered a month prior to that in April, a party member said.

Stellenbosch Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson André Pelser encouraged residents to take ownership of their neighbourhoods.

"I knew Jindela, he was a nice guy. We can't speculate that he was the target. We will wait for the investigation to tell us what happened to him.”

Stellenbosch Municipality said the Jindela served the community with distinction, including in the role of deputy mayor.

“The incident is currently under investigation by the police, and the municipality will fully support SAPS by providing any information they may require.”

GOOD Party councillor Robin Hendrikse said they were shocked and saddened by the fatal shooting.

“Jindela, a former Stellenbosch councillor and deputy mayor, was a prominent figure in local governance who played a significant role in serving the Kayamandi community.

“His death is a painful reminder of the deepening crisis of violence gripping our communities.

"We are aware that Mr Jindela was reportedly a suspect in the ongoing investigation into the 2022 murder of another former deputy mayor of Stellenbosch.

“While the legal process must take its course and no individual should be presumed guilty outside of due process, his killing, under such circumstances, raises urgent questions about the state of law enforcement, witness protection, and community safety.”

Hendrikse added that this incident follows closely on the heels of the brutal murders of a young man over the weekend in Cloetesville, and that of a private security officer in the same area just two weeks ago.

“These are not isolated events, they are part of a pattern of escalating violence that has left residents living in fear.

“We call on the SAPS to prioritise a full, transparent investigation into Mr Jindela’s murder and the broader series of violent incidents in the area."

At the time of his murder, Jindela was out on R5 000 bail in connection with the murder of former deputy mayor Cameron Mcako.

He was charged along with his wife, Unathi Jindela, Bonisani Fihla, and Phakamisa Nkopho, charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition in 2021.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said: “The murder trial in which he was an accused will continue with the remaining accused at the Western Cape High Court.”

Mcako was shot at his tavern and later died in the hospital.

Anyone with any information about this shooting incident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus