Political tensions have flared in KwaZulu-Natal following the brutal assassination of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party regional organiser, Lastborn Shazi.

Shazi was shot and killed at his homestead in the Umzumbe area of the Ugu region on Monday night, sending shockwaves through the political landscape just hours before South Africans head to the polls for the local government elections.

According to MK Party KwaZulu-Natal provincial spokesperson Mkhuseli Mlangana, Shazi was actively participating in a virtual meeting with the party’s regional elections team when the attack took place.

Reports indicate that unknown gunmen arrived at his residence and knocked on the door.

When Shazi answered, the assailants opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Colleagues on the virtual call grew alarmed when Shazi suddenly stopped participating, only to receive a phone call shortly after confirming the horrific shooting.

The MK Party has strongly condemned the killing, describing Shazi as a disciplined, dedicated, and hardworking leader whose death is a devastating blow to the organisation and the community he served.

The party has formally called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Killings Task Team (PKTT) to urgently take over the case.

“We demand a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation to bring those responsible to justice,” the party stated, while simultaneously appealing to its members to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from unverified speculation that could inflame local tensions.

Shazi’s murder adds to a deeply concerning surge in political violence across KZN.

It follows another recent tragedy on the South Coast, where two ANC members were ambushed and shot dead during a door-to-door election campaign in Umgababa.

Police have expanded deployments across critical hot spots in the province to ensure safety and stability at voting stations during the electoral process.

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