IFP leader escapes armed ambush in Rensburgdrift

Armed gunmen hiding in a bush fired gunshots at Mr Mkhize's vehicle as he was travelling in Rensburgdrift

IFP Uthukela District Chairperson Mbuzeleni Mkhize.

Mixed feelings but gratitude for being alive are flowing through Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Uthukela District Chairperson Mbuzeleni Mkhize; following an alleged assassination attempt yesterday (September 15).

At about 6pm, Mr Mkhize was travelling alone in his Toyota Fortuner from Weenen to Estcourt when he allegedly came under fire by unknown gunmen who were hiding in a nearby bush.

Mr Mkhize says a colleague who was travelling in a second vehicle returned fire and this possibly ‘disturbed’ the gunmen.

One of the bullets that hit Mr Mkhize’s vehicle.

“All we heard were gunshots. One of the bullets hit my vehicle but I am grateful to be alive,” said Mr Mkhize.

A case of attempted murder was immediately opened at the Estcourt Police Station.

“I feel confused this morning. I can’t believe that there are people that plan to kill others. There is no reason why we are targets,” said Mr Mkhize when speaking to the Estcourt News this morning (September 16).

This alleged assassination attempt on Mr Mkhize’s life comes less than a month after IFP leader Mthembeni Majola was shot and killed near Estcourt Hospital.