Lastborn Shazi, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s Ugu regional organiser, was shot dead at his home in Mtwalume last night (November 1), just two days before the local government elections.

Shazi was reportedly attending a virtual meeting with the party’s regional elections team when the shooting occurred, reports the South Coast Herald.

According to reports, unknown men arrived at his home and knocked on the door. When he answered, they allegedly opened fire, killing him.

Party urges members not to speculate

MK Party spokesperson Nelisiwe Nxumalo said party members, family and friends were in disbelief following his death.

“We had a long day yesterday, we were very busy and he was on the ground. None of us thought that we would sleep with such news,” she said.

Nxumalo said party representatives were still due to meet with the family to offer their condolences and establish more details about the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The party has reportedly said it has no leads in the case and has urged members not to speculate while police investigate.

Shazi’s murder comes amid growing concern about violence involving political figures and party supporters ahead of Wednesday’s elections.

Police record 20 election-related murders

On Sunday (November 1) National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters had been recorded during the election period. Seven arrests had been made in connection with the killings.

KZN had recorded six of the murders, the second-highest provincial total after Gauteng, which had recorded seven. The Western Cape recorded three, the Eastern Cape two, and the Free State and North West one each.

The figures were released before Shazi was killed. His death has not yet been confirmed as politically motivated.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.

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