Opposition party organiser killed before South Africa elections
Police are investigating the motive in murder of MKP coordinator as political killings rise during municipal elections.
An organiser from an opposition party has been killed in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, raising concerns about political violence before Wednesday’s local government elections.
Senior police spokesman Robert Netshiunda said on Tuesday that a murder investigation had been opened after Lastborn Shazi – identified by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) – was shot dead late on Monday at his home while on a Zoom call coordinating the party’s election campaign.
South African police said last weekend that 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters had been recorded during the municipal election period.
Voters on Wednesday will elect councillors, who will then choose mayors to oversee municipal services, including water, sanitation and rubbish collection.