UPDATE: IFP shooting incident condemned

The IFP had held a branch launch at Jacob’s Hostel in Durban on Sunday, and as people were exiting the venue, several gunshots were fired. One IFP member died, and another was injured and rushed to hospital, Rising Sun Chatsworth reported.

“This is totally troubling news. It is extremely disturbing and regrettable that members of political parties are targeted by criminals. This shooting comes just as we are geared up for the 2016 Local Government elections, has the potential to undermine gains made in bringing about political stability and tolerance in the province,” said Mchunu.

Mchunu called for calm and restraint while police are working round the clock to arrest those responsible for the “senseless shooting”.

“We urge anyone who may have information about this shooting to contact the police immediately,” he said.

IFP chairperson Blessed Gwala said in a statement: “This incident smacks of political intolerance and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We do not want to go back to the dark days of political violence after over 20 years of democracy.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our member who lost his life. We pray that our injured colleague will recover fully,” Gwala added.

– Caxton News Service