"I want to appeal to all ANC members to be vigilant, as it seems that there still exists some forces of darkness who are bent on dividing our movement and creating mistrust," he said, according to notes sent to Sapa. He was speaking at Mkhize's funeral service near Port Shepstone.

Mkhize and Nhlakanipho Ntshangase were walking along a road in Margate when they were shot at by gunmen in a car last Saturday. Mkhize died at the scene while Ntshangase sustained critical injuries.

"This is not a first incident in this province. The killing of ANC comrades is becoming commonplace and thus requiring serious investigations," said Zuma.

"We are even more concerned when such deaths are targeted towards ANC leaders, and they die in a hail of bullets in an assassination style."

Zuma said because Mkhize was an active, hardworking, dedicated, disciplined, and principled African National Congress member he managed to climb through the party's ranks. He said those who had seen Mkhize at the party's national policy conference were shocked to hear of his death.

"Those who heard him speak and articulate on policy matters during the conference were left in no doubt that comrade Wandile had a bright future in the ANC."

Zuma conveyed his condolences to Mkhize's wife and children and his close friends. He wished Ntshangase a speedy recovery.