Blood flows in the ANC in KZN

AT LEAST eight politically motivated killings have taken place in KwaZulu-Natal since the Moerane Commission started its inquiry into political killings in the province.

Yesterday, ANC councillor and ANC Youth League deputy secretary in the Moses Mabhida Region Sthembiso Mhlongo became the latest victim after he was shot at his home in Howick.

On Monday, Mhlongo’s colleague Lungisani Mnguni, a former branch chairperson in the Moses Mabhida Region, was gunned down while driving his bakkie.

Mhlongo had spoken to the media and condemned Mnguni’s murder.

The Moerane Commission had heard that almost 90 people have been killed in what is believed to be politically-motivated crimes linked to the Glebelands hostel since 2014, with no arrests being made.

KwaZulu-Natal violence monitor Mary de Haas said the Moerane Commission had not made any difference in the political related murders in KZN.

“In fact it has served to expose those who are anti-corruption and made them targets.’’

De Haas said the fact that police had not solved a single political killing since the beginning of last year was a major concern.

Both Mhlongo and Mnguni had been elected by their ANC branches as delegates to the ANC national conference next month in Johannesburg.

Several murders especially involving ANC leaders including former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa have taken place since the enquiry started in March.

Commission spokesperson Solo Mdledle could not say how many murders had taken place since the start of the enquiry.

Mhlongo was asleep with his wife and seven-year-old son when he was startled by bang on his door at about 2am. His cousin, Sipho Mhlongo said the men claimed to be police.

Mhlongo opened the door of his house at Mpophomeni Township in Howick and was shot twice. He died on arrival at Hilton Private Hospital outside Pietermaritzburg.