Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has conveyed his condolences to the family of a Rand Water employee who was killed in a shooting during a community event in Johannesburg on Monday.

Rand Water’s Chief Corporate Shared Services Officer, Teboho Joala, died during a shooting at Zakarriya Park Hall in Vlakfontein, south of Johannesburg, where the entity was handing over school shoes and uniforms.

According to media reports, Joala was killed in front of hundreds of learners after a gunman entered the hall and fired several shots. His protector was also shot and killed at the event while City of Johannesburg Chief Whip Sthembiso Zungu was shot and wounded.

Joala joined Rand Water in 2019, as a General Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Management, and was then appointed to his current position in July 2021.

Mchunu and Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, as well as Rand Water Board Chairperson, Ramateu Monyokolo, visited the Joala family on Tuesday to pay their respects.

Mchunu said the ‘savage an
d heartless’ incident is one which should not have occurred.

‘Not only has it claimed lives, but it has also traumatised young primary school learners so early on in the new academic year. As a Ministry, we are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.

‘Teboho was a dedicated individual, who still had a lot to offer to the sector, but also to the country through his social associations. As a Ministry, we offer our sincere condolences to the Joala family, and to the family that also lost their loved one.’ Mchunu said.

Source: South African Government News Agency