The Kayamandi and the greater Stellenbosch community learned with shock and sadness of the fatal shooting of a much-loved Stellenbosch councillor on Sunday 4 May.
Xolile Kalipa (54) of the Democratic Alliance (DA) died around 21:26 after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
According to Stellenbosch police members were called to a scene in Swart Close, Kayamandi where Kalipa was lying between two vehicles. “The deceased was shot multiple times and was declared dead on the crime scene by paramedics,” local police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin, said.
Kalipa’s death is one of two shooting incidents over this past weekend in Kayamandi, currently being investigated. Martin said at this stage police don’t suspect a connection between the councillor’s death and that of a man and woman in Watergang Street.
In a statement, Stellenbosch Municipality said Kalipa had been a most beloved and deeply respected community leader. He served as a proportional-representation councillor for the DA and was portfolio chairperson for community services on the Mayoral Committee before his death.
“I am devastated by the loss of Councillor Kalipa. He was a dedicated public servant, a voice for the voiceless and a pillar of strength in his community,” said Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser. “His passion for uplifting our people – especially the youth and women as part of his Community Services Portfolio – was evident in everything he did. We have not only lost a colleague but a friend and true champion of social development.”
Community members described Kalipa as a “humble soul” and saw his death as a loss to the Kayamandi community. He served as Cape Winelands District Councillor for two periods before his election to the Stellenbosch Municipality in 2021.
On Monday the DA in the Western Cape said it would monitor the investigation closely and urged police to find those responsible for the local councillor’s death. “Xolile was ruthlessly gunned down in Kayamandi on Sunday evening,” Tertuis Simmers, DA Western Cape Leader, said in a statement.
“While the DA strongly condemns the incident we urge the South African Police Service to act swiftly to capture the murderers.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Xolile’s family, friends, community and colleagues. The DA will monitor the matter closely, and we hope the perpetrators will face the full might of the law.”.
According to the local municipality Kalipa’s contribution and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents will be remembered by all who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Stellenbosch police ask any persons with information on these incidents to contact the station at 021 8095015 or 082 522 1912.
