IFP leader calls for calm after shooting

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Published Feb 21, 2014

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Durban - The IFP Women's Brigade chairwoman for Durban's Ward 40 was shot dead outside her home in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.

Police spokesman Thulani Zwane confirmed the death of Nonhlanhla Biyela, 32, at the KwaMashu hostel. The motive for the killing was unknown. Police did not know yet who shot her.

Inkatha Freedom Party provincial leader Blessed Gwala said: “What we know is that the chairperson of the IFP Women's Brigade in Ward 40 was shot dead last night (Thursday) after a memorial service held by NFP members.”

On Monday night, Ntombi Mzila, who was a National Freedom Party branch leader, was shot dead at the KwaMashu hostel. This was preceded by a shooting over the weekend when two NFP members were wounded.

The ward is the only ward the IFP holds in the eThekwini municipality since the IFP's then chairwoman Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi left the party in March 2011 to form the NFP.

Gwala called for calm in the wake of the killings.

“Our message is that people must stop killing, whether it is for politics or for crime. We call on IFP members not to act in retaliation,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal transport, community safety, and liaison MEC Willies Mchunu said he was disappointed at the killing.

He said on Wednesday night he had met representatives in a bid to avert any further violence.

“At this meeting, I was given an assurance by the top party leadership that they would all work flat out to put an end to these killings.

Each party made a pledge to engage its supporters on the importance of peace, particularly before by-elections at the hostel and the May 7 general elections.

“So this murder comes as a huge disappointment to me and my department which is working flat out to broker a lasting peace at the hostel,” said Mchunu.

Sapa

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