SPECULATION is rife that the motive for an ANC candidate’s murder in Harding could be linked to the NFP’s disqualification from the entire August 3 local government elections.
The party’s disqualification followed the NFP’s treasurer’s failure to pay the election deposit in time.
Nothing is proved, but (warranted or not) community suspicions are fuelled by the fact that Ward 1 in the Umuziwabantu (Harding) municipality is currently held by the NFP.
Now, with ANC Ward 1 candidate Bongani Skhosana (41) dead, a by-election will have to be held and the NFP will qualify for the contest again.
A total of 11 politicians have been killed in alleged political battles in KZN, according to the Hawks. Three relatives of politicians on the Lower South Coast have died in the crossfire.
On Sunday, Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko said that a special task team had been established to try to prevent political killings.
“We have noted with serious concern the killings, particularly where political figures are victims. A situation like this cannot be allowed to continue, especially in the context of democracy,” he said.
The team would be made up of members of various SA Police Service units, including crime intelligence, detectives, the directorate for priority crime investigation (Hawks) and other specialised units such as forensics.
ANC Lower South Coast Region spokesman Sipho Dlamalala said they were deeply concerned at the murder of their candidate.
“This is a tragic loss for the family, the community and the ANC,” he said. “We trust the police will make swift arrests.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
