Despite the additional deployment of the police in KwaZulu Natal, another staunch member of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party was shot and killed yesterday. Mxolisi Zungu, who was MK Party elections manager in Cator Manor outside Durban, was killed in front of his wife soon after the couple dropped off their child at creche.

FIVE KILLED SINCE ELECTIONS

This incident takes the tally of the MK Party members that have been killed after the 2024 national elections to five. Two of the murdered MK members were from Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, while three others were killed in Umlazi last week. An MK Party member who spoke to ZiMoja said that Zungu was aware that there were people from an opposition party who were angry at him about the success of the MK Party in the area. "For some time now, people from that party never liked the idea of us jumping ship and joining MK Party. We were the foot soldiers and we made history by winning all the wards under Cator Manor. Recruiting many people to vote for MK Party created many enemies for us," the member said. 

PARTY CONCERNED OVER KILLINGS 

MK national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela confirmed the murder of their prominent member. Ndhlela said that they are deeply concerned over the brutal and cold-blooded killings of their members. He expressed concern regarding the brutal and cold-blooded killings of their members especially in front of their families. He said that the violence began before the elections and has persisted. "Despite the interventions made by the police to apprehend those responsible, we find it deeply troubling that police and soldiers are being deployed to suppress violence from MK Party members potentially. This stance is profoundly misplaced and unjust, as it is clear that our members are victims and not the perpetrators of these violent acts," he said.

WORKING WITH SAPS 

Ndhlela said that the MK Party has initiated an urgent discussion with Police Minister Bheki Cele where they committed to working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of their members. "We reiterate our continuous call to all MK Party members and supporters to remain calm and patient despite all provocation. Our commitment to peace and democratic principles remains steadfast and we urge our community and South Africans to stand united and refrain from retaliatory actions," he said.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the police are investigating cases of murder and robbery. According to Netshiunda, the victim was walking with his wife along New Road after dropping off their child at a nearby crèche when a suspect, who was also on foot, shot the victim from behind. Netshiunda said that the suspect took the victim's firearm before fleeing the crime scene. "The motive of the killing has not yet been established," he said.