Opposition Party Organiser Killed Ahead of South Africa Municipal Elections
Lastborn Shazi was shot dead at home on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast late Monday. Police are investigating the motive ahead of Wednesday's municipal vote.
An organiser from South Africa's uMkhonto weSizwe Party was shot dead at his home in KwaZulu-Natal late Monday, two days before the country's municipal elections. Police said the motive was under investigation.
Lastborn Shazi, a regional organiser for the opposition party, was killed on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. SABC placed his home in Umzumbe, while Reuters reported he was on a Zoom call coordinating election campaigning when he was shot.
Police spokesman Robert Netshiunda said a murder case had been opened. The party called for an urgent investigation and described Shazi's death as a loss to his family, the organisation and the community he served.
The killing came amid broader concerns about violence during the election period. Police said 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters had been recorded, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera. Investigators had not established that Shazi's murder was politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered 510 soldiers deployed to KwaZulu-Natal to support police ahead of the vote. Authorities identified more than 165 polling stations in the province as high-risk, Reuters reported.
Voters on Wednesday, November 4, will elect councillors who will then choose municipal leaders. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party is led by former President Jacob Zuma and is competing for control of municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal.