Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt following the murder of Contralesa NEC member and chairperson of the Nzunza-Fene Traditional Council, Kosi Thugwana at Tweefontein near KwaMhlanga.

Police say the 45-year-old Thugwana was fatally wounded after assailants shot at him while he was inside his vehicle on Sunday night.

Thugwana is well known for being vocal on issues of development in the former KwaNdebele areas and was critical of the so-called construction mafia in the area.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdluli says a team of investigators has been established.

“The police have launched a manhunt following a fatal shooting incident in which a 45-year-old male victim was shot inside his motor vehicle in Tweefontein on Sunday night. No one has been arrested thus far. A team of investigators under the leadership of the Acting Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Zeph Mkhwanazi has been established to investigate and ensure perpetrators are brought to book.