The Inkatha Freedom Party is shocked by the senseless killing of yet another one of its leaders in KwaMashu, north of Durban.

Mr Mbhasobheni Biyela (56), the IFP Ward 39 Chairman was gunned down in a hail of bullets this evening as he was returning from an executive committee meeting which he chairs every Tuesday evening.

“When I heard of this tragedy, I rushed over to KwaMashu and was devastated to see my colleague lying in a pool of blood on the road. His brutal killing once again highlights the tensions present in the hostel and the surrounding area. These tensions arise from many factors such as criminal activity, political rivalry and the renting of accommodation. In view of this I approached the MEC for Community Safety & Liaison, Willis Mchunu through the Chairman of the Portfolio Committee, Bheki Ntuli to meet with the police, officials from the eThekwini Municipality and a group of leaders representative of concerned citizens in KwaMashu. Unfortunately that meeting never took place and another innocent life has been lost. KwaMashu residents are convinced that there is a hit list and certain people are being eliminated. The problems in the area are multi-dimensional and requires all stakeholders to come together to find solutions.

Mr Biyela was a hard working campaigner for peace and stability in the area. His untimely death will undo all the hard work that has been done recently.

I urge the police to do everything in their power to bring these killers to book and to restore peace in KwaMashu.

We convey heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the IFP”. said IFP National Chairman, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL