A hive of activity from community-based organisations is expected when a man accused of allegedly killing former ANC leader Loyiso Nkohla appears in court on Monday.
The 38-year-old suspect was nabbed by the police on Friday and is due in a Cape Town court to answer to charges of murder and three counts of attempted murder, according to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani.
Three other people including an ANC councillor were injured in the attack on April 17, which was believed to have been a planned hit.
“After being positively linked to the crime, the suspect has been charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder,” Hani said.
“This emanates from an incident that happened on 17 April 2023.”
Attack at Philippi train station
Nkohla was caught by a hail of bullets while addressing residents at an informal settlement at the Philippi train station.
Also hit during the attack was former ANC councillor Thembinkosi Pupa. He was rushed to the hospital and later recovered from his wounds.
Nkohla and Pupa had been in the area to engage with shack dwellers on behalf of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
The residents had erected homes on the railway line, which is owned by Prasa. It was reported at the time that Nkohla was targeted for his activism role in the community.
When departing from politics and before working with Prasa, Nkohla mentioned his desire to pursue personal development and community activism.
Work with the PA
He also cited his plan to further his studies as a reason to depart from politics. Before exiting the political stage, he also spent time working with the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
PA leader Gayton McKenzie said at the time of Nkohla’s killing: “It is unfortunate that Loyiso Nkohla was shot dead.
“He had a deep love for people and always thought that he was a politician, but I always reminded him that he was an activist.
“I can’t think of any single person who would have wanted Loyiso dead.”
Nkohla claimed his position as a prominent leader in 2013 under the ANC when he led a protest with Andile Lili.
The protest was centred on poor conditions that the people in Makhaza and other informal settlements in Cape Town were facing.
