The uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Ugu regional organiser, Lastborn Shazi, was shot dead at his home in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday night. Shazi was taking part in a virtual meeting with the party's regional elections team when he suddenly stopped participating. Those on the call were then informed that a shooting had taken place at his home. The party's spokesperson said they were not aware of any witnesses and had not identified a suspect or established a motive.
The party learnt of the incident at about 9pm and sent leaders to the homestead. KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Mkhuseli Mlengane said the party did not yet know what had led to the shooting. He urged members to let investigators establish what happened and avoid speculation. The party called on the province's Political Killings Task Team to conduct an urgent investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
The MK Party described Shazi's death as a devastating loss to his family, the party, and the communities he served. The party urged its members and supporters not to spread unverified claims or make allegations that could inflame tensions or compromise the investigation. Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced after the party consults Shazi's family.
Shazi was killed two days before South Africans went to the polls in local government elections. His death comes amid wider concern about political violence in KwaZulu-Natal. However, no evidence has been reported linking his killing to his political work or the election. The party is yet to establish a connection between Shazi's killing and his political activities.
There have been instances of political violence in KwaZulu-Natal, including the killing of two ANC members who were shot dead while conducting a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa in October. A third person was injured in that attack. No connection has been established between the Umgababa shooting and Shazi's killing.
According to Julian Rademeyer, a senior adviser to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 26 people have been killed in suspected politically motivated attacks since the start of 2026. The figure reflects suspected cases and does not establish the motive in Shazi's case. The killing has raised concerns about election violence in the region.
The MK Party has urged calm and called for a thorough investigation into Shazi's death. The party said that no individual should lose their life because of their political involvement or organisational responsibilities. The investigation is ongoing, and the party is yet to announce funeral and memorial arrangements for Shazi.
Key points
- Lastborn Shazi, MK Party organiser, was shot dead at his home in Umzumbe, South Africa.
- The killing has raised concerns about election violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
- The party has called for a thorough investigation into Shazi's death.
