/ 20 November 2012

IFP block chairperson shot dead in KZN

An IFP leader has been shot and killed in a KwaZulu-Natal township.
An IFP leader has been shot and killed in a KwaZulu-Natal township.

A crowd of about 400 people gathered where Biyela died on Monday and sang songs of mourning with the man's relatives present, said a South African Press Association reporter at the scene.

Several armed police officers secured the scene around KwaMashu's A-section b while detectives examined it.

The man's identity was not released by police, but a local IFP member confirmed he was the party's "block chairperson".

Three cartridge casings were seen lying next to his body, while at least four gunshot wounds were clearly visible as forensic detectives examined his body.

Official police comment could not be obtained and it was not clear whether the killing was politically motivated.

The area, which is home to a number of hostels and shacks, has been wracked by violence between the IFP and the National Freedom Party. – Sapa