Another KZN councillor slain

Another councillor has been killed in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mbhekiseni “Pat” Khumalo of uPhongolo local municipality was shot dead at his house by unknown killers on Saturday night‚ KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport‚ Community Safety and Liaison Mxolisi Kaunda confirmed on Sunday.

The assassins had apparently pretended that they were residents needing assistance‚ he said.

The murder comes just weeks after a councillor‚ Ace Houston‚ was slain in Harding and the brutal murder of Inkosi (chief) Mathonsi of Mandeni. Kaunda expressed his shock and outrage at the latest murder. He said the killings appeared to be systematic and well-orchestrated.

"We find this apparent targeting of public representatives totally abhorrent as it sends a wrong message to those committed to serving in public offices in the province.

“It also undermines the right of people to democratically elect their public representatives. I have directed the police to do everything within their powers to bring to justice those responsible for this callous deed‚” said Kaunda.