Local TV personality gunned down
FORMER eTV and SABC sports anchor Jeffrey Zikhali (59) was gunned down in the Ndabayakhe area outside Empangeni on Friday night.
His car was taken and found torched on the same night, along the old Mtubatuba road (R102) in Empangeni.
Police reportedly stumbled on the crime scene during a routine patrol and were able to identify the victim by his driver's licence, which was found at the scene along with his cell phone.
One police source believes the attack was well orchestrated.
“Our preliminary investigation clearly gives us an impression that this was planned. We have already started to follow some leads on this matter,” he said.
Zikhali previously worked as the spokesperson of the KZN
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka urged community members to assist police with information to ensure that suspects are brought to book immediately.
“Police need community members to play an active role in the fight against crime. We need all hands on deck to ensure that we strengthen the united front against crime,” Hlomuka said.
He added that police are working on identifying and profiling crime hotspot areas where police visibility will be increased to ensure the safety of the community.
Empangeni Station Commander Brigadier Jeros Thango said a case of murder and malicious damage to property was registered at Empangeni SAPS for further investigation.
He said no arrest has been made and the motive is still unknown.
Among many who condemned the brutal assassination was uMhlathuze Mayor Cllr Xolani Ngwezi, who called for swift apprehending of the perpetrators.