The African National Congress Youth League in KwaZulu-Natal has made a strong call for government to re-evaluate its strategies in fighting political killings in the province.
This after Sthembiso Mhlongo, a regional ANC Youth League leader, was gunned down at his home in Mpophomeni near Pietermaritzburg last week by unknown gunmen.
Mhlongo was laid to rest on Saturday.
Mhlongo’s passing has left the community and his family shaken.
Hundreds of mourners were still in disbelief as they said their final goodbyes to someone they have called a young patriot that truly took care of his people.
Sipho Mhlongo, family member of the deceased, says, “Beyond his political responsibilities, Sthembiso cared for everyone. I wouldn’t want to speculate and attach a figure to that because to him everyone was family, especially young people. He always went above and beyond for them.”
Mhlongo was gunned down the same week as former branch Chairperson Lungisani Mnguni was also killed.
They were both from the ANC’s Moses Mabhida region and were on the list of delegates to the upcoming ANC elective conference in December.
Thanduxolo Sabelo, ANCYL Provincial Secretary, says, “The government has to reconsider its strategies in ensuring its fight against the scourge of political killings in the province. In fact, as the youth league, we have come to a point where we say government must establish self-defence classes in all regions.”
Mhlongo leaves behind his wife of eight months and one child.
