The violent death of **Molefi Sello**, a councillor serving in the **Matlosana Local Municipality**, has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited concerns about safety in public spaces. Sello was fatally stabbed in the early hours of Friday morning in **Klerksdorp**, in an attack that has left residents, colleagues and political leaders reeling.
According to information released by the **South African Police Service** (SAPS), the councillor was confronted by a suspect armed with a knife. During the encounter, Sello sustained a serious stab wound to his upper body. Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their efforts, he was declared dead shortly after they arrived. The suspect fled, and a manhunt was launched soon after.
Sello was widely known in his ward as a dedicated public servant who worked closely with residents on service delivery issues and community concerns. His sudden and violent death has left many struggling to come to terms with the loss of a leader who, by many accounts, was committed to improving the lives of those he represented. Friends and colleagues described him as approachable, hardworking and deeply invested in local development.
Police have confirmed that a murder case has been opened and that investigations are ongoing. Officers are currently following up on leads and reviewing information that could help identify and locate the suspect. SAPS has also appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have information about the suspect’s movements before or after the attack, to come forward. Authorities have stressed that community cooperation is crucial in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
The killing has once again placed the spotlight on violent crime in the region and the broader challenges facing communities across the country. Residents in and around Klerksdorp have voiced growing anxiety about safety, particularly during early morning and late-night hours. Community leaders have called for increased police visibility and stronger crime-prevention measures, saying that tragedies like this deepen fear and erode the sense of security in neighbourhoods.
Politically, Sello’s death has also raised concerns about the safety of public representatives, especially those who work closely with communities at grassroots level. Councillors and other local leaders often operate on the frontlines of social and economic tensions, and many believe more needs to be done to protect them while they carry out their duties.
As tributes continue to pour in, the focus remains on supporting Sello’s family and ensuring that justice is served. For many residents, his death is not only a personal loss but also a painful reminder of the urgent need to confront violent crime. The community now waits for answers, hoping that the investigation will bring clarity, accountability, and a measure of closure after a tragedy that has left a deep wound in Matlosana.
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