ANC councillor fears for his life after alleged assassination attempt

By Tarryn Le Chat
25 June 2007

Two bodyguards sustained bullet wound injuries over the weekend while protecting an ANC councillor in what is believed to be an alleged failed assassination attempt.

Xolani Sotashe, an ANC councillor of Lwandle, near Somerset West, returned home to ‘switch off his lights’, when his two bodyguards’ screamed for him to ‘get down’ as bullets flew past them.

Both bodyguards’ sustained gun shot wounds, one fatally.

According to an online report, Sotashe claimed attempts had been made on his life before. After the incident had occurred, Sotashe contacted Community Safety MEC Leonard Ramatlakane, who sent a team of police to his home.

Police spokesperson, Inspector Bernadine Steyn says that the wounded bodyguard, age 32, sustained a bullet wound to the eye and is in a stable condition in hospital.

Michael Merana, 33, the guard situated at Sotashe’s home died. He was from Site C in Khayelitsha.

Provincial Secretary of the ANC, Mcebisi Skwatsha, was unavailable for comment as he is being held up in meetings.

The gunmen fled on foot and are still at large.