The IFP says it is with shock and sadness that the party received the news that Comrade Zakhele Joseph Mazibuko (44) was killed last night (September 15).
Mazibuko, the Publicity Secretary of the IFP in the uThukela District, was fatally gunned down in an ambush between Estcourt and Colenso shortly after leaving an IFP district meeting.
Read initial story: IFP member shot dead near Ladysmith
Comrade Mazibuko, at the time of his passing, was the occupational and health manager at uThukela District Municipality.
IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP and IFP uThukela District chairperson Mbuzeleni Mkhize say they do not wish to speculate on the nature of the reasons behind this tragedy. However, they do say it is of serious and grave concern that the killing of politicians has become a permanent feature of the political landscape in KZN.
“The slow pace of police interventions in curbing political violence is overwhelmingly worrisome. The SAPS and other law enforcement agencies are clearly weak and poorly capacitated to deal with political violence,” says the IFP spokesperson.
Comrade Mazibuko is described as a committed and dedicated leader of the IFP who served the community with integrity. “The IFP and the community of uThukela have been robbed of a hardworking servant of the people by agents of darkness and enemies of peace. We are indeed poorer because of this untimely loss.”
According to the IFP, the prevailing culture of violence does not bode well for free and fair elections next year.
“We call for peace and calm during this time, and to allow the investigation to run its full course.”
The IFP extends its most heartfelt condolences to the Mazibuko family and friends of Comrade Zakes.
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