FORMER SABC anchor and government communicator Jeffery Zikhali’s body was found next to his cellphone and driver’s licence.
He was discovered by cops who were conducting their regular patrols in Ndabayakhe, Empangeni, northern KZN on Friday night, 1 December.
Zikhali was gunned down in a suspected hijacking incident on Friday.
Zikhali was driving around Ndabayakhe, heading to his ancestral home in Dlangezwa, not far from Empangeni when he met his death.
According to the KZN police spokesman Robert Netshiunda, police were on their routine patrols when they stumbled upon a body, cellphone and a driver’s licence which assisted them in identifying the man.
“He was declared dead on the scene. The motive of the killing and the suspect are unknown at this stage,” he said.
He said no arrests have been made and his car has not yet been recovered or traced.
Zikhali spent a few years in his early career as a sport anchor at SABC and later moved to join the government as a communicator.
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The ANC provincial secretary, Bheki Mtolo has also paid his tribute to the veteran communicator.
Mtolo said in his early days as a journalist with Radio Khwezi, Jeffery played a significant role in the promotion of peace, reconciliation and fostering better relations between various communities at the height of political violence in the province.
“We will always remember him as a dedicated TV sport presenter, leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and throughout the tournament. He earned respect amongst soccer players, soccer administrators, football associations and the public at large because of his understanding of the beautiful game,” said Mtolo.
IFP KZN provincial community safety and community liaison spokesman, Blessed Gwala, called on the authorities to bring an end to the reign of terror being caused by gun-toting criminals who threaten people on a daily basis with illegal guns.
“Our authorities cannot continue to ignore the growing epidemic of violence. The IFP calls for the eradication of crime. Our province must be freed from ruthless criminals,” he said.
