A member of the Umkhonto Wisizwe Party (MKP) was shot. (Alan Majkulović/Getty Images)
- Umkhonto Wisizwe member Vusimuzi Ntuli was shot dead in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
- KZN Police say they are investigating the 48-year-old's death.
- Ntuli's memorial service and funeral will be held in Nkandla.
On Saturday, a member of the Umkhonto Wisizwe Party (MKP) was shot in what appeared to be a politically motivated killing.
KwaZulu-Natal Police have announced that Umlazi police are investigating a murder after Vusimuzi “Blesser” Ntuli, 48, was shot dead at Te House Hostel in Umlazi.
Police spokesperson Senjisiwe Ngcobo added:[The] Police in Umlazi are investigating a murder case after a 48-year-old man was shot dead at a hostel in Umlazi on March 2, 2024.
“The deceased was with a friend when he was murdered in the parking lot.”
Ngcobo said the motive for the killing was not yet known.
Read | Tensions rise between ANC and MKP, erupting in violence and intimidation
In a statement released by the MKP's Umlazi task team on Monday, the party announced a six-day mourning period for Ntuli, who was the hostel's polling precinct coordinator.
“as [the] MK Party, we have lost a great cadre. His presence in the political space was like a baobab tree providing a soothing shade for us, especially the 74th and Umlazi districts, which played a role of protection and security. ”
MK party spokesperson Nlamulo Ndlela condemned Ntuli's killing.
“We call for political tolerance. Leaders must be held accountable for what they say to their supporters, because it can lead to violence.”
The party announced that a memorial service and funeral will be held in Nkandla.
The emergence of former president Jacob Zuma's MKP has raised fears that new political violence could erupt in KZN.
City Press previously reported that there have been 40 incidents of intimidation between ANC and MKP members since they were formed in December last year.
Read | King Misulu issues 'royal order' calling for an end to political killings in KZN
Political analyst Bheki Mgomezulu warned political leaders against making public statements that could incite violence.
“Tensions are bound to rise due to the recklessness of politicians,” Mugomezulu said.
“Since the formation of the MKP, they have issued public statements that have concerned and typically evoked emotion among their members.
“In Pongoro, the MKP destroyed tents in broad daylight.
“It's unfortunate that there have been several similar incidents and someone has died, but these are signs of rising tensions in KwaZulu-Natal.”
