Police have identified three suspects in connection with murder of traditional leader Inkosi Mbongeleni Zondi, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday.
The broadcaster quoted KwaZulu-Natal safety and security minister Bheki Cele as saying police wanted to question the three.
Zondi, a direct descendant of Bhambatha Zondi of the famous Bhambatha rebellion against British colonial rule in 1906, was shot dead in Durban’s Umlazi township on Thursday.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Sbu Ndebele said on Friday Zondi would be given an official funeral.
Speaking after visiting the Zondi family in Umsinga in the Midlands, Ndebele said he had informed the Zondi family that the provincial government was prepared to provide an official funeral. Members of the provincial legislature accompanied Ndebele on his visit to Umsinga.
African National Congress leaders and the wife of ANC president Jacob Zuma, Nompumelelo Ntuli, also visited the Zondi family.
Zondi was driving along Stimela Avenue when his car was sprayed with bullets. Police collected 50 spent AK-47 cartridges.
Zondi was visiting his fiancée Mbali Mbele at Umlazi at the time of his murder. He was a close ally of Zuma’s. He recently hosted a ceremony for Zuma and Ndebele, where the two were thanked for hosting Bhambatha Centenary celebrations in 2006.
No one had been arrested in connection with Zondi’s murder and the investigation was continuing. – Sapa