The IFP has received with shock and sadness the news of the killing of Comrade Zakhele Joseph Mazibuko (44), the Publicity Secretary of the IFP in the UThukela District, who was fatally gunned down in an ambush last night (Saturday, 15 September 2018) between Estcourt and Colenso shortly after leaving an IFP district meeting.
Comrade Mazibuko, at the time of his passing was the Occupational and Health Manager at the UThukela District Municipality.
Whilst we wish not to speculate on the nature of the reasons of this tragedy but it is of serious and grave concern that the killing of politicians has become a permanent feature of the political landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
The slow pace of police interventions in curbing political violence is overwhelmingly worrisome. The SAPS, and other law enforcement agencies are clearly weak and poorly capacitated to deal with political violence.
Comrade Mazibuko was a committed and dedicated leader of the IFP who served the community with integrity. The IFP and the community of UThukela have been robbed by agents of darkness and enemies of peace of a hard working servant of the people. We are indeed poorer because of this untimely loss.
This prevailing culture of violence does not bode well for free and fair elections next year, that are also free from fear.
We call for peace and calm during this time and allow for the investigation to run its full course.
The IFP extends its most heartfelt condolences to the Mazibuko family and friends of Comrade Zakes.
On behalf of the IFP, issued by:
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539
Mbuzeleni Mkhize
IFP UThukela District Chairperson
076 450 4869