In brief
Lastborn Shazi, a coordinator for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, was shot at his home in KwaZulu‑Natal just days before local government elections. Police have opened a murder investigation amid a spike in political killings, while President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed more than 500 soldiers to a high‑risk area. The incident threatens the political climate during a pivotal election for the eThekwini municipality.
A organiser for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) was shot dead in KwaZulu‑Natal on Monday night, just days before the country’s municipal elections. The victim, Lastborn Shazi, was at his home when he was killed while on a Zoom call coordinating the party’s campaign. The incident has sparked fears of escalating political violence as Municipal Council seats are up for contest.
Senior police spokesman Robert Netshiunda said on Tuesday that a murder investigation had been opened after Lastborn Shazi—identified by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party—was shot dead late on Monday at his home while on a Zoom call coordinating the party’s election campaign.
“A murder investigation had been opened after Lastborn Shazi was shot dead at his home while on a Zoom call coordinating the party’s election campaign,” the spokesperson said.
Investigation Details
Police are probing the motive behind the killing, noting that 20 murders involving political representatives, party members and supporters were recorded during last week’s municipal election period. Authorities have not yet named a suspect, and the investigation remains open. Meanwhile, South African police have identified 165 polling stations in KwaZulu‑Natal as high‑risk and are working closely with security forces to safeguard voters.
Election Context
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the deployment of more than 500 soldiers across KwaZulu‑Natal to support police forces, reflecting the heightened security concerns as voters head to the polls on Wednesday. The MKP, which split from the African National Congress (ANC) in 2023 under former President Jacob Zuma, is a growing political force. Recent polls suggest the MKP could become the largest party in the eThekwini metropolitan area, displacing the ruling ANC in that region.
The eThekwini area, the economic hub of KwaZulu‑Natal, will elect councillors who will in turn select mayors to oversee municipal services such as water, sanitation and rubbish collection. The MKP’s potential rise in the region could reshape local governance and alter the balance of power in provincial politics.
Security officials estimate that killings of political actors may influence voter turnout and campaign dynamics. The political leadership across parties has called for calm, while opposition groups have demanded a transparent investigation into Shazi’s death. The incident highlights the fragile state of political safety in the province as the country prepares for grassroots elections.
With votes scheduled for Wednesday, the focus remains on ensuring a free, fair and secure voting process. The murder of Lastborn Shazi has underscored the risks faced by those involved in South Africa’s electoral politics, especially in electoral hot spots such as KwaZulu‑Natal.
