Durban - A SENIOR IFP member was shot dead at the volatile KwaMashu hostel, on Thursday night.
This is the second killing this week. Nonhlanhla Biyela, 32, was approached by an unknown gunman as she entered her home at about 7.30pm, said police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane.
Biyela, chairwoman of the IFP Women’s Brigade in Ward 40, was killed on her way back from the memorial service of NFP activist Ntombi Mzila, 48, said Ward 39 councillor, Mgezeni Gwala.
Mzila was gunned down while on her way to visit NFP members Nomusa Nhlengana, 31, and Zama Zungu, 25 on Monday.
They were injured in a shooting after they allegedly crossed paths with IFP members on their way to the Princess Magogo Stadium for a rally on Saturday.
Gwala said Biyela and Mzila were relatives.
“They (the shooter/s) must have seen that she was close to Mzila even though they are members of different political parties,” he said.
“I am boggled by what is happening. Can we not mourn each other as family because we favour different political parties?”
Biyela’s death came a day after a meeting of the political parties in the area to discuss the violence at the hostel, said Department of Community Safety and Liaison spokesman, Sipho Khumalo.
MEC Willies Mchunu held a multiparty meeting in the area on Wednesday to discuss the recent spate of shootings. The MEC was shocked by the shooting and condemned it, said Khumalo.
“Political leaders in the area gave MEC Mchunu an undertaking that they will do everything possible to lower levels of tensions, work towards peace and ensure there is free political activity ahead of the forthcoming by-election and May 7 national elections,” said Khumalo.
National IFP chairman, Blessed Gwala, said people were living in fear and called on IFP members not to retaliate. “Violence breeds violence. Instead of killing each other, let us cooperate with police to apprehend the culprits.”
He said party leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, had personally written to NFP leader, Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi, requesting a meeting to discuss the violence.