Residents demand removal of Stellenbosch deputy mayor charged with murder

A GROUP of Kayamandi residents picketed outside the Stellenbosch Municipality offices yesterday demanding the removal of the deputy mayor, Nyaniso Jindela, who faces charges in connection with the murder of former deputy mayor Cameron Mcako.

The group handed over a memorandum demanding that the municipality suspend Jindela, and that the DA suspend him from the party as they have done with other members who have had allegations levelled against them.

Jindela was arrested along with his wife, Unathi, and taxi owner Gladstone Relegu.

However, they were released on

R5000 bail each. The three recently appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court and were charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Mcako was shot at his tavern and died in hospital.

He was the second prominent political figure to be killed in Kayamandi in 2019, amid intense clashes over whether prime land should be made available for the poor.

Community leader Onke Mcako has appealed for the municipality to respond to their demands.

“We are here today to hear from the DA why they have not moved Jindela, because he has been charged with murder and attempted murder, but he is still part of the council.

“How has he not been banished from the DA? How has the DA not made a formal statement to address the issue of his arrest, because they are public figures,” said Mcako.

Stellenbosch Municipality spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar said Jindela had been placed on special leave, pending the outcome of the police investigation.

“An internal investigation is being conducted by the office of the speaker. The housing portfolio, for which he was responsible, currently resides with the executive mayor until further notice,”said Grobbelaar.

DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille said she would respond when she had facts. “I have other work at present,” said Zille.