MK Party Regional Organiser Lastborn Shazi Shot Dead at His Home in KwaZulu-Natal
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is mourning the death of its KwaZulu-Natal regional organiser, Lastborn Shazi, who was shot dead at his residence in the Umzumbe area on Monday night.
His killing has renewed concerns about political violence in KwaZulu-Natal as political parties enter the final days of campaigning ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.
The party’s provincial spokesperson, Mkhuseli Mlengane, told the media that investigators had no leads in the case.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the MK Party’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial structure described Shazi’s death as a devastating loss to the organisation, his family, fellow party members and the communities he served.
The party has called on the Provincial Political Killings Task Team to investigate the shooting urgently and identify those responsible.
MK Party Demands Urgent Investigation Into Lastborn Shazi’s Killing
Following the shooting, the MK Party called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shazi’s death.
The party urged the Provincial Political Killings Task Team to establish what happened and ensure that anyone suspected of planning or facilitating the killing is brought to justice.
“We demand a thorough, impartial and expedited investigation,” the party said.
The organisation also warned against the continued loss of lives through political violence in KwaZulu-Natal, describing the province as having a painful history of politically motivated killings.
It stressed that political involvement and organisational responsibilities should never put someone’s life at risk.
“No individual should lose their life because of their political involvement or organisational responsibilities,” the party said.
MK Party Appeals for Calm as Police Investigate
The MK Party has urged its members, supporters and structures to remain calm while police investigate the killing.
It also cautioned against speculation, unverified information and allegations that could compromise the investigation or increase tensions.
The party said funeral and memorial arrangements would be communicated after consultations with Shazi’s family.
At the time of writing, the motive for the shooting had not been established. There was also no confirmed information linking the killing to Shazi’s political activities.
Police had not publicly announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with his death.
KwaZulu-Natal Faces Renewed Concerns Over Political Violence
Shazi’s killing comes amid heightened concerns about the safety of political organisers and candidates in KwaZulu-Natal during the election campaign.
In September, acting provincial police commissioner Major General Phumlele Makoba appealed to political parties to tolerate one another and campaign peacefully.
She warned parties against using violence to eliminate political competition.
“We are urging political parties to be tolerant of each other and compete without violence. Do not eliminate competition by killing each other,” Makoba said.
Her warning also addressed intimidation and the need for political parties to respect their opponents during the campaign period.
The appeal followed several killings involving political figures and candidates in the province.
Previous Political Killings Raise Security Concerns in KZN
Shazi’s death follows other violent incidents involving political party members in KwaZulu-Natal.
In October, two African National Congress (ANC) members, ward elections coordinator Lungani Makhathini and ANC Youth League member Nokuthula Mavundla, were shot dead during a door-to-door election campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban.
Three other people were wounded in the attack.
Police opened two murder cases and three attempted murder cases following the shooting.
In a separate incident in August, MK Party member Siphiwe Thusini was shot dead outside his home in KwaMashu.
Investigators from the Political Killings Task Team were assigned to investigate Thusini’s murder and establish whether it was politically motivated.
These incidents have highlighted the security challenges facing political parties and their members as campaigning continues across the province.
Political Parties Sign Election Code of Conduct
Political parties recently signed a code of conduct at the Gallagher Convention Centre, the headquarters of the Electoral Commission’s Results Operations Centre.
The agreement commits political parties to conduct their campaigns in accordance with electoral rules.
The South African Police Service has also called on parties to demonstrate tolerance towards their opponents and avoid violence during election activities.
However, Shazi’s killing has renewed questions about the safety of political organisers and whether calls for peaceful campaigning will translate into greater protection on the ground.
The MK Party has urged supporters to allow investigators to establish the facts and ensure that justice takes its course.
What Is Known About the Killing of Lastborn Shazi?
The confirmed details available in the supplied report indicate that Shazi was shot dead at his residence in the Umzumbe area on Monday night.
The MK Party has called for an urgent investigation, but the motive remains unknown.
There is no confirmed information establishing that the shooting was connected to his political activities.
Police had not publicly identified suspects or announced arrests at the time of writing.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
Key Facts About Lastborn Shazi’s Killing
- Victim: Lastborn Shazi.
- Political affiliation: uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
- Position: KwaZulu-Natal regional organiser.
- Location: Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Incident: Shot dead at his residence on Monday night.
- Party response: The MK Party called for an urgent and impartial investigation.
- Police investigation: The Provincial Political Killings Task Team was asked to investigate.
- Motive: Not established at the time of writing.
- Arrests: No arrests had been publicly announced.
- Election context: The killing occurred days before Wednesday’s local government elections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lastborn Shazi’s Killing
1. Who was Lastborn Shazi?
Lastborn Shazi was the MK Party’s regional organiser in KwaZulu-Natal.
2. What happened to Lastborn Shazi?
He was shot dead at his residence in the Umzumbe area on Monday night.
3. Where was Lastborn Shazi killed?
The shooting took place at his home in Umzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
4. What has the MK Party said about his death?
The party expressed deep sadness and described his killing as a devastating loss to his family, the organisation and the communities he served.
5. Has the motive for Lastborn Shazi’s killing been established?
No. The motive had not been established at the time of writing, and no confirmed information linked the shooting to his political activities.
6. Who is investigating the killing?
The MK Party has called on the Provincial Political Killings Task Team to urgently investigate the shooting.
7. Have any suspects been arrested?
Police had not publicly announced an arrest or identified suspects in connection with the killing at the time of writing.
8. Why has the killing raised concerns in KwaZulu-Natal?
It comes amid reports of other killings involving political figures and party members in the province during the election campaign.
9. What warning did KwaZulu-Natal police issue to political parties?
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Phumlele Makoba urged political parties to tolerate one another and compete without violence.
10. How has the MK Party appealed to its supporters?
The party has urged members and supporters to remain calm, avoid speculation and allow investigators to establish the facts.
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