The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday said it was extremely concerned by attempts to cripple the party in the run-up to the general elections.
”In the last election, 14 ANC members were killed during the election campaign … we are very, very worried about the political loss of life,” said KwaZulu-Natal secretary Senzo Mchunu.
In the most recent incident, traditional leader Inkosi Mbongeleni Zondi was travelling along Umlazi’s Stimela Avenue last week when his car was sprayed with AK-47 bullets.
He had been on his way to visit his fiancée, Mbali Mbele.
No arrests had been made but there had been unconfirmed reports that police had identified three suspects.
Addressing journalists at the party’s provincial headquarters, Mchunu condemned the Zondi killing, as well at the murder of ANC Youth League member Sthembiso Cele.
He revealed that there had also been ”assassination” attempts on another member, Inkosi Daba Mthembu.
”Currently there is a serious threat on his life.”
”We view the [Zondi and Cele] assassinations and the attack [on Mthembu] as an attempt to cripple the ANC and instil fear in our supporters as we head into the crucial elections,” said Mchunu.
He stressed, however, that the political environment in the province was still ”largely conducive” to the election but warned that political intolerance had no place in democratic South Africa. — Sapa