The IFP's KwaZulu-Natal Spokesperson, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu, today condemned the murder of Thomas Shabalala last night and called on the police and justice system to act quickly to ensure the capture of his assassins and their sentencing.

Mr Ndlovu said:

"Thomas Shabalala was a colourful character of strong beliefs and passion. His absence will be keenly felt in the IFP. He had a remarkable presence and was one of the most effective organisers that I have ever known. It will be very difficult to fill his shoes in the community."

"We send our condolences to his family. We will be praying for God to comfort and protect them in this time of need. Thomas had taken a brave stance by admitting that two of his children had died of HIV/AIDS a couple of years ago. We hope that his family can draw comfort from the knowledge that their father, husband, brother was in his lifetime able to leave this every important legacy behind."

"We call on the police to do everything in their power to ensure that his assassins are arrested as soon as possible."