Hope Ntanzi|Published
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for a shooting that killed two party volunteers during a door-to-door campaign in Umgababa, south of Durban, amid continued concern over political killings ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
Police have opened two counts of murder and three of attempted murder following the shooting in Area 24, Umgababa, on Thursday afternoon.
According to police, two women and a man affiliated with a political party, accompanied by two bodyguards, were campaigning door to door when a white Isuzu bakkie approached them from behind.
The occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire on the group using rifles and pistols. A man and a woman were declared dead at the scene, while another woman reportedly injured her leg as she fled the shooting.
The party said a third volunteer was critically injured when an unknown assailant opened fire on the group while they were engaging community members.
The shooting comes as KwaZulu-Natal continues to grapple with the killing of political representatives. IOL reported in August that 18 councillors had been assassinated in the province since the 2021 local government elections, including five in eThekwini.
In September, IOL also reported that three Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor candidates had been killed in separate incidents in the province.
The latest shooting has prompted the ANC to call for specialised law enforcement resources to be deployed to track down the killers, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has called for a dedicated Political Killings Task Team to investigate the incident.
ANC condemns attack on campaign volunteers
The ANC has described the shooting as a “barbaric and cowardly attack” and said the volunteers had been carrying out democratic work when they were targeted.
The party condemned the killing of people participating in political activities, saying the attack was an assault on their constitutional rights.
“To ambush unarmed men and women who were merely exercising their constitutional rights is an act of pure wickedness,” the ANC said.
It described the shooting as a “ruthless, cold-blooded act” and said the targeting of women and unarmed community leadership demonstrated a complete absence of human decency.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in our political landscape, and the ANC will not be deterred or silenced by ruthless criminals,” the party said.
The ANC called on law enforcement agencies, including specialised intelligence and investigative units, to deploy all necessary resources to track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible without delay.
It also appealed to residents of Umgababa and surrounding areas who witnessed the shooting or have information that could assist investigators to come forward.
The party urged its members, supporters and residents to remain calm and disciplined while staying vigilant.
ANC sends condolences to families
The ANC extended its condolences to the families, friends and comrades of the two volunteers who were killed, saying their contribution to the liberation struggle and community development would not be forgotten.
It also sent its support and wished the injured volunteer a full and speedy recovery.
The party said it would honour the dead by ensuring that those responsible faced the full weight of the law.
MK Party calls for political tolerance
The MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal called for a dedicated Political Killings Task Team to investigate the shooting and any related cases, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
The party also expressed its condolences to the bereaved families, and wished the injured person a full recovery.
It called on authorities to provide the affected families with the necessary support, handle the matter sensitively and conduct a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The party also called for increased police visibility and proactive patrols in Umgababa and surrounding communities to reassure residents, protect political campaigners and prevent further violence.
“Political differences must never become a reason for intimidation, threats or violence. Every person has the right to participate in political activity without fear for their safety,” the MK Party said.
With the local government elections approaching, the party urged political formations, campaign teams, members and supporters to exercise restraint and conduct their campaigns peacefully.
It warned against provocation and the spread of unverified information, calling on all parties to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate without interference.
“No political objective is worth the loss of human life,” the party said.
The MK Party also appealed to community members to remain vigilant, avoid speculation and share any relevant information with the authorities.
IOL Politics