IFP member gunned down in KZN

The party's publicity secretary Zakhele Mazikubo was gunned down between Estcourt and Ladysmith after attending a party meeting on Saturday.

The IFP's Mkhuleko Hlengwa says they believe the killing may have been politically motivated.

"It would be irresponsible for the party to speculate at this point in time in terms of the nature and circumstances that have led to the killing of comrade Mazikubo in Uthukela. However, given the political environment and climate in KwaZulu-Natal it is a possibility that we cannot rule out. Also given the fact that he had just left a district meeting at the time that he was killed last night. 

"It is our expectation that the matter be treated as a political one without of course limiting the opening up of the scope to consider any other matters that may have resulted in this tragedy. 

The killing comes as the Moerane Commission of inquiry into political killings in the province prepared to present its final report in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature on Thursday.

Hlengwa says Mazibuko is the second IFP member to be gunned down this year.

"As we are coming to terms with that particular loss we now find ourselves back at square one. This type of violence has a negative impact on the state of our preparedness for the elections next year which we have really committed ourselves to doing well in. 

Therefore this type of violence which muddies the water for the political environment which is free and fair for all of us to operate in, does not bode well for our democracy because it instils a fear as well in the electorate and citizens. 

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Thembeka Mbhele says a second person who was travelling with Mazibuko was unharmed.

No arrests have been made.