Mayor of the Collins Chabane municipality Moses Maluleke was shot and killed in his home in Xikundu, in Limpopo, on Thursday.

Maluleke died on the scene after three suspects entered his home demanding money and later shot him and his 18-year-old son, who is currently recovering in hospital.

The South African Police Services in Limpopo have since activated a 72-hour plan to hunt down the suspects.

Cases of murder and attempted murder have been registered.

The Safety and Security MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya appealed for calm and for the public to let the police do their job.

“I want to appeal to the community to give the police a chance to investigate as so far nothing has been found at this stage. For now, all we know is that the family is distraught and can deal with all the positivity that can be shared,” she said.

Maluleke became the mayor in 2021, following the dismissal of Joyce Bila who was removed following her links to the VBS scandal.

African National Congress (ANC) Limpopo spokesperson Jimmy Machaka condemned the killing and conveyed condolences to the Maluleke family.

He described the mayor as a patient leader who exercised calm and was passionate about the ANC as an organisation.

“Comrade Maluleke dedicated his entire life to the ANC and as a mayor who was given the responsibility by the organisation, he was able to execute the tasks given to him with distinction. He was not a scandalous leader and he never appeared on the media for the wrong reasons. We will remember him as a disciplined cadre and father to many of the youth in his community and within the ANC,” Machaka said.