The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has demanded an immediate investigation into the killing of Lastborn Shazi, its regional leader in Ugu on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Shazi was shot at his uMzumbe home, apparently while in a virtual meeting with the party's regional elections team, just two days after the municipal elections. The party described Shazi's murder as a devastating blow to its regional elections machinery.
According to the MK Party, Shazi was cornered by gun-wielding assassins at his home on Monday night. The assassins knocked on the door and when he was about to open it, he was met by a volley of shots. The party's KZN spokesperson, Mkhuseli Mlengane, called on the Political Killings Task Team to urgently investigate the shooting and ensure that those involved are identified and brought to justice.
KwaZulu-Natal has a history of political killings, with 20 murders linked to political activities recorded before the municipal elections. Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, the deputy national commissioner for policing, announced that Gauteng tops the number of killings, while KZN occupies the second spot. The province accounted for 165 high-risk voting stations nationally, with 124 under eThekwini, the only metro in KZN.
The MK Party's Mlengane said the continued loss of lives through violence is a serious concern that demands decisive action from law enforcement authorities. He emphasized that no individual should lose their lives because of their political involvement or organisational responsibilities. The party demands a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation into Shazi's killing.
This is not an isolated incident, as several politically linked killings have been reported in KZN leading up to the municipal elections. Ntombi Mkhize, an ActionSA activist and councillor candidate, was stabbed and strangled over the weekend. Last month, ANC councillor Lungani Makhathini and fellow comrades were shot dead while on a campaign trail in uMgababa.
The killing of Shazi has raised concerns about the safety of politicians and activists in KZN. The MK Party's call for an urgent investigation has been echoed by other parties, who are demanding action from law enforcement authorities to prevent further killings. The province has a critical role in the municipal elections, with many high-risk voting stations.
The police have announced that they are working to prevent further violence and ensure a safe and secure voting environment. The investigation into Shazi's killing is ongoing, and the MK Party is urging the public to provide any information that may assist in identifying and bringing those responsible to justice.
Key points
- The MK Party has called for an urgent investigation into the killing of Lastborn Shazi, its regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal.
- KwaZulu-Natal has recorded 20 murders linked to political activities before the municipal elections.
- The province has 165 high-risk voting stations, with 124 under eThekwini, the only metro in KZN.
