The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is mourning the killing of its KwaZulu-Natal regional organiser, Lastborn Shazi, who was shot dead at his residence in the Umzumbe area on Monday night, raising fresh concerns about political violence days before South Africans head to the polls.
The party’s provincial spokesperson, Mkhuseli Mlengane, told media that there were no leads in the case.
Shazi’s killing comes as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections, with KwaZulu-Natal once again facing concerns about violence targeting politically active people.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the MK Party’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial structure expressed deep sadness over the death of its regional organiser, describing the killing as a devastating loss to the organisation, his family, fellow members and the communities he served.
The party called on the Provincial Political Killings Task Team to urgently investigate the shooting, establish the circumstances surrounding his death and identify those responsible.
It also called for anyone suspected of planning or facilitating the killing to be brought to justice.
“We demand a thorough, impartial and expedited investigation,” the party said.
The MK Party said KwaZulu-Natal had a painful history of political killings and warned that the continued loss of lives through violence required decisive action from law enforcement authorities.
“No individual should lose their life because of their political involvement or organisational responsibilities,” it said.
The party urged its members, supporters and structures to remain calm while police investigate the killing.
It also cautioned against speculation, the circulation of unverified information and allegations that could compromise the investigation or inflame tensions.
The party said funeral and memorial arrangements would be communicated after consultations with Shazi’s family.
His death adds to growing concerns about the safety of political activists and party members during the final days of the election campaign.
KwaZulu-Natal police have repeatedly warned political parties against allowing competition to descend into violence as campaigning intensifies.
In September, acting provincial police commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba appealed to political parties to tolerate one another and compete peacefully.
“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 at the time.
She also warned against intimidation, saying political competition should not involve eliminating opponents to gain an advantage.
The warnings followed several killings of political figures and candidates in the province.
In October, two 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 that shooting.
In a separate incident in August, MK Party member Siphiwe Thusini was gunned down outside his home in KwaMashu. Police assigned investigators from the Political Killings Task Team to investigate the murder and establish whether it was politically motivated.
The cases highlight the security challenges facing political parties as they campaign in communities across the province.
Political parties recently signed a code of conduct at the Gallagher Convention Centre, the headquarters of the Electoral Commission’s Results Operations Centre, committing themselves to conduct their campaigns in accordance with electoral rules.
During preparations for the elections, the South African Police Service also called on political parties to demonstrate tolerance towards their opponents and avoid violence.
However, Shazi’s killing has renewed questions about whether these appeals will translate into greater protection for political organisers and campaigners on the ground.
The motive for Shazi’s killing has not been established, and there is no confirmed information linking the shooting to his political activities.
Police had not publicly announced an arrest or identified any suspects in connection with his death at the time of writing.
The MK Party urged its supporters to allow investigators to establish the truth and ensure that justice takes its course.
