MADIBENG, NORTH WEST – The Municipal Manager of the Madibeng Local Municipality, Quiet Kgatlha, has survived an apparent assassination attempt after gunmen allegedly opened fire on his vehicle in a brazen attack on Wednesday afternoon.

According to preliminary information, the shooting happened at about 5:30pm near the Zilkaatsnek Sasol garage in North West.

It is alleged that occupants of a grey Volkswagen Polo pursued Kgatlha’s vehicle before opening fire with what is believed to have been a high-calibre assault rifle. Early reports suggest that approximately 30 rounds were fired at the moving vehicle.

Despite the intensity of the attack, Kgatlha survived. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the extent of any injuries or damage to the vehicle.

Police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identity of those responsible and the motive behind the attack.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the municipality, particularly because it comes at a time when Kgatlha is reportedly leading efforts to strengthen accountability and address alleged corruption, financial misconduct and governance failures within the municipality.

Information received by MDNtv indicates that the municipality has been preparing to institute criminal proceedings against several officials accused of alleged unlawful conduct, including the intentional contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and other legislation governing public finances.

The timing of the shooting has fuelled speculation about whether the attack could be linked to those reported anti-corruption initiatives.

However, there is currently no publicly available evidence connecting the shooting to those investigations, and any suggestion of such a link remains speculative pending the outcome of official police investigations.

The South African Police Service is expected to examine all aspects of the case, including whether the attack was targeted and whether it has any connection to ongoing municipal matters.

The apparent assassination attempt is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving public officials in South Africa, where attacks on municipal leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about governance, organised crime and the risks faced by officials tasked with tackling corruption.

MDNtv understands that investigations are underway, and further updates will be published as additional information becomes available.