Cele appeals for calm, patience amid investigation into murder of ANC councillor in Mpumalanga

Police Minister Bheki Cele has appealed for calm and patience amid calls for the arrest of Mpumalanga ANC councillor Sbonelo Mthembu's killers.

Cele addressed journalists outside the slain councillor's home on Monday, where he was joined by national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, among other officials.

The minister said the investigating officers must be given enough time to build a watertight case against the suspects.

"The investigating team will have to do thorough work. By the time those people get arrested, they should not be arrested for withdrawal or acquittal.

"While it's a difficult thing [to do] and the family and community ask the question, we have to [investigate thoroughly]. At the end of the day, results must tell that the work has been done thoroughly," added Cele.

Mthembu, 36, his mechanic, and another man were shot in Mkhondo on Friday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mduli said three armed men shot them.

The gunmen fired several shots at Mthembu and his friend, who was inside a bakkie he and the mechanic had travelled in.