Three KZN councillors killed within two weeks

Maphumulo municipality ANC councillor Zakhele Khuzwayo was gunned down near the Nothweni River last Thursday.

Provincial police spokesperson, brigadier Jay Naidoo, said the 48-year-old Ward 13 councillor was shot multiple times. Police are investigating the murder.

ANC provincial spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele, said as much as the police were investigating political-related murder cases, the party has decided to call on ANC deputy secretary Sipho Hlomuka, in his capacity as the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, to lead a programme focusing on instilling a culture of political tolerance as one of the critical interventions.

“To ensure the murderers and masterminds behind this barbaric and senseless act do not destroy evidence, we have decided to allow KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to do his work with his capable team of law enforcement agencies,” said Mndebele.

Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Sihle Zikalala, said he was concerned about the murder of councillors in the province.

“Within 14 days three councillors have been killed, one in eMsinga, eThekwini and now Maphumulo. A senior official at Umlalazi was also killed. We will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.”