THE man accused of shooting ANC supporter, Thandi Mhlongo on Wednesday last week will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court this morning.
The 28-year-old man was arrested in Pongola this weekend.
Mhlongo (30), was gunned down outside a voting station in Lindelani near KwaDukuza.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane said the shooting took place at about 9.30pm after the station had closed.
Zwane said the motive for the attack was unknown.
ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said the party was shocked and saddened by Mhlongo’s death.
‘We condemn this heinous and barbaric attack in the strongest possible terms.
‘It is clear that the killing had been well planned to instil fear among ANC volunteers on election day.
‘The Lindelani area has, over the years, been known as a ‘no-go’ area for ANC members during election campaigns.
‘We call on our members to remain calm and resist being intimidated by this act of cowardice.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our killed comrade at this difficult time and we wish them strength and fortitude during this time of sorrow.’
Stabbing
In a second incident on election day, Nkosiyapha Zinhle Hadebe was stabbed several times, while another National Freedom Party member, Nokwethemba Ntombela, sustained injuries during a confrontation between NFP and Inkatha Freedom Party members outside a voting station in Mabedlana in Ulundi.
According to witnesses, an altercation erupted between NFP and IFP supporters outside a voting station which culminated in IFP supporters stoning NFP supporters.
NFP president Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi has condemned the stabbing and stoning of their supporters.
I hope the IFP is not going back to its violent character of the early 1990s. It is time the party reined in its supporters.