POLICE are probing the fatal shooting of former Stellenbosch Deputy Mayor Nyaniso Jindela, who was gunned down outside a church in Kayamandi on Monday night.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, 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 injuries before medical assistance could be rendered.
His death comes just over a month after DA Councillor Xolile Kalipa was gunned on 4 May in Swartz Street in the same area.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear and no arrests have been made at this stage. Police have confirmed that a murder case has been opened and investigations are ongoing.
Jindela was a well-known figure in local government and previously served as Deputy Mayor of Stellenbosch. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for swift justice.
Twigg reports: “Stellenbosch police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Monday evening, 9 June 2025, at about 8pm, in Vineyard Street, Kayamandi, in which a 59-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded.
“Police members attended the crime scene where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his throat.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested.”
Stellenbosch Municipality said Jindela served the community with distinction, including in the role of Deputy Mayor.
A statement reads: “The incident is currently under investigation by the police and the municipality will fully support SAPS by providing any information they may require.”
At the time of his death, Jindela was out on R5 000 bail in connection with the murder of ‘n ander ex-deputy mayor Cameron Mcako in 2019. Mcako was shot at his tavern and later died in hospital.
He was charged along with his wife Unathi Jindela, Bonisani Fihla and Phakamisa Nkopho and were 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...”
