Two more politicians have been killed in KwaZulu-Natal. The South African Police Services Provincial Organised Crime Unit is investigating the deaths of the NFP Okhahlamba Region chairperson and former ANC Umzimkhulu branch secretary.
Nkeni Mabaso and Nkosikhona Mxhakane were both gunned down by unknown men over the weekend in separate attacks.
Mxhakane was gunned down by an unknown man outside his home whilst Mabaso was killed by unknown occupants of a vehicle that was following him in Bergville.
27 people have been killed in political related killings in the province since 2016.
The ANC has described Maxhakane as a hard worker. ANC’s Mluleki NDobe says:”We are very devastated as the ANC in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He has worked with a number of structures of government but in particular assisted in the operation of Sukuma Sakhe (stand up and build) and made a contribution on the war-room in ward 12.”
“His departure is very painful not only to his family but even to the ANC and the entire society in Umzimkhulu and the province of KwaZulu-Natal.”
At least eight ANC leaders and members have been killed in Mzimkhulu since 2017.
Meanwhile, a National Freedom Party (NFP) member was gunned down by unknown assailants in Bergville this weekend. The NFP’s Okhahlamba chairperson Nkeni Mabaso was killed in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Mabaso was also a Deputy Chairperson of the Vulindlela Taxi Association.
Colonel Thembeka Mbhele says:”He was driving along that road the Bettany road when he was attacked. They fired several shots at him but he tried to get out of the car and they fired several times and he died on the scene.”
Mabaso leaves behind his wife and six children.
NFP Spokesperson Nhlanhla Khubisa says:”Our condolences are with the Mabaso family for having lost a son a brother and also a breadwinner. It’s really painful for them. As the NFP we are with them at this time of bereavement.”
The NFP has called on the national police minister and the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for safety and liaison to engage the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in dealing with the killings in the province.
