By Grocott’s Mail Reporter
More than three years after the killing of well-known Makana municipal official and community leader Jeff Budaza, questions remain about his unsolved murder.
Budaza, who was the Manager for Parks and Recreation, was widely remembered as a unifier and a firm opponent of corruption in the municipality. Budaza was shot and killed outside his home on 25 May 2022 and was laid to rest in June 2022, leaving behind a legacy of community services, accessibility, and integrity.
Police confirm case closed as ‘undetected’
Despite the public outcry following his death, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that no one has been arrested for his murder. Speaking to Grocott’s Mail, SAPS spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy said; “The case is closed as undetected. A J56 notice was issued after a formal inquest.” This means that, after an inquest process, the courts found no sufficient evidence to identify a suspect, and the file was closed.
Budaza had become increasingly vocal about corruption and irregularities within the municipality. In one 2021 report, he flagged irregular weekend overtime claims linked to tree trimming in the CBD, stating that he had never authorised such work or overtime. He also pushed for investigations into questionable municipal practices, making him a key figure in the fight for accountability.
Rumours of a R100,000 reward for information about his killers circulated on social media, but McCarthy confirmed that no official reward was ever issued by SAPS.
The murder remains an open wound for Makhanda, where many still remember him not only as a municipal official, but as a corruption fighter, coach, and mentor. His legacy continues to be invoked in community meetings and discussions about accountability today.
