ANC councillor, Mzwandile ‘Nganono’ Shandu, who survived an assassination attempt last month, was shot and killed yesterday (Wednesday)

ANC councillor Mzwandile ‘Nganono’ Shandu, who survived an assassination attempt last month, was shot and killed yesterday (Wednesday).

Defence attorney Abdul Karrim said the state had failed to prove that the accused duo would pose a threat to witnesses should they be granted bail.

“[The state] must come prepared with something tangible about the threat to the witnesses. There’s nothing that supports that fact from the statements of the investigating officer,” said Karrim.

According to the regional spokesperson, Njabulo Mtolo, the details surrounding the shooting are still a bit sketchy.

His death comes after he survived an assassination attempt in August when he was attending a ceremony held at the KwaMahleka location in Mbumbulu.

“It is very unfortunate that this incident took place just a few weeks after there was a failed attempt on his life. Also, just a few weeks after yet another ANC Councillor, Comrade Mubhungu Mkhize, was brutally killed,’’ said Mtolo.

The state had opposed bail because of the serious nature of the charges. They were also deemed a flight risk and the state feared that the uncle and nephew would intimidate witnesses.

“The case was not moving at all until they were arrested. Since then, more witnesses are not scared to come forward,” said state prosecutor Dumisani Nxumalo.

He added that both Shandus were charged in other cases, and that Mzwandile was set to appear in court in Richmond, KZN, on a murder charge on Thursday.