Johannesburg - The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday said it was "shocked and outraged" by the assassination of its councillor in uMkhambathini Local Municipality.
"The ANC extends its sincere condolences to the family of comrade Kwazi Mkhize, 34, a councillor of Ward 3 in uMkhambathini, was gunned down by an unknown assailant outside Nkanyisweni Community Hall. He had concluded an extended Branch Executive Committee meeting where he was reporting on development projects in his ward," said Mdumiseni Ntuli, ANC provincial spokesperson
"He was left behind with his siblings to close the gate in the hall after the meeting. Although details regarding Cde Mkhize’s murder remain sketchy. it appears his attacker fired from behind and killed him on the scene."
Ntuli described the slain 34-year-old Mkhize as "a gentle giant" who dedicated his life to serve his community.
"He was an inspirational and represented the cream of the crop of young cadres that are developed by the movement to service our communities."
Ntuli added: "We have lost a dedicated comrade and a true revolutionary who served the community with dedication. His outstanding leadership skills will be sadly missed by many in the ANC.
"It’s a sad day for our movement to loose such a young leader who had devoted his life to serving his community. The ANC strongly condemn the killing of councillors in our province."
The ANC called on law enforcement agencies to do everything in their power to root out the evils of crime and violence faced by public representatives.
"The ANC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, his comrades, colleagues, friends, his community that he served with dedication and passion up to this last day. We share their grave sense of loss."