Several leaders of the former president Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party) say they are forced to always look over their shoulders, fearing that they might be ambushed and killed.
The concerned officials, who are mainly organisers and coordinators of various branches in eThekwini region, believed there was a well-organised plan to “deal” with those who are considered key in garnering support for the MK Party.
The fear comes in the wake of the brutal murder of Mxolisi Zungu on Wednesday. This in what appeared to be a politically linked killing.
Campaigned in a known ANC stronghold
Zungu was one of the leaders of the MK Party who had been dispatched to Ward 101 in eThekwini metro. This is a known stronghold of the ANC.
He was allegedly cornered in Cator Manor, near Mayville after he and his wife had just picked up their child from creche. Both the wife and child escaped unharmed, while Zungu was shot multiple times. He died on the scene.
“It is clear that the killing is politically motivated. Our political opponents are out there, planning our demise. Whenever we go, we have to look over our shoulders,” MK Party leader Sgcino Mzimela told Sunday World on Thursday.
Party members receiving death threats
Another leader, Vusizwe Zondi, said that they are constantly receiving threats from their political opponents. However, he never expected it to escalate to murder.
“Since the MK Party victory, I have been receiving threats from anonymous calls. Some are calling me a sell-out. I didn’t take them seriously. But I now see that MK leaders, especially those who were leading the election machinery, are being hunted. The killing of comrade Mxolisi is not innocent,” he lamented.
Two other MK Party member murdered in Gauteng
Zungu’s brutal assassination comes hot on the heels of the murder of two MK party members. They were killed in Katlehong, Gauteng, a week ago.
Nhlamulo Ndhlela, MK party spokesperson, said the party was shocked following the killing of Zungu.
“The MK party is shocked at another cold-blooded murder of our member. He was killed in front of his wife and child. This is an assault on democracy. We want the police to do all they can to bring the perpetrators to book,” said Ndhlela.
He also said there was a concerted effort to wipe out leaders of MK party.
There have been heightened tensions and political intolerance between the MK party and the ANC since the formation of the party in December last year.
MK Party went on to dislodge the ANC in KZN. It relegating it to third place and saw it failing to reach even 20% of the provincial vote.
Province is a hotbed of political killings
KwaZulu-Natal is known as the hotbed for political assassinations. Those vying for political office are known to use deadly violence to eliminate their perceived opponents.
The brazen killings also led Premier Willies Mchunu to establish a commission of inquiry to probe the underlying reasons behind the murders. The commission was headed by Advocate Marumo Moerane.
Among the recommendations was the tightening of requirements to stand as a councillor. One of the requirements was possessing a minimum of a degree.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the victim was shot from behind, dying instantly.
“The motive for the killing has not been established. No arrest has been effected yet. The suspects took the victim’s firearm before fleeing the scene,” Netshiunda explained.
