LINDOKUHLE Mnguni knew that his life was in danger and went into hiding after two leaders were killed at eKhenana informal settlement near Durban, where he lived.
After the assassination of two activists Ayanda Ngila and Nokuthula Mabaso this year, Mnguni started receiving death threats and he decided to lie low for a while.
So in March, the 24-year-old eKhenana chairman packed his bags and left the kasi.
He recently came back thinking the dust had settled but he was wrong, as on Saturday, 20 August, unknown men stormed into his shack where he was asleep with his girlfriend and shot him several times.
He died instantly and his girlfriend, who was caught in the firing line, is in hospital fighting for her life.
The movement’s president, Sbu Zikode, said Mnguni was a powerful intellectual with a mind like a razor.
“He was a young man with real vision and commitment, a brave man whose will to struggle was not broken by six months in prison, long periods in hiding and having to bury two close comrades this year,” said Zikode.
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He said Mnguni is the 24th leader of the movement who has died at the hands of the police and izinkabi.
“We have no doubt that the killers of Mnguni are the same killers of Ngila and Mabaso,” he said.
Zikode said they have lost the confidence in the local police as they work with the people who are killing them.
KZN police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said charges of murder and attempted murder are being investigated by Cato Manor police.
“It’s alleged that on 20 August at 2.10am, a man was shot and killed while he was asleep with his girlfriend at eKhenana informal settlement. His girlfriend sustained injuries on the leg and was rushed to hospital for medical attention. The allegations levelled against the police officers are not true. We are also appealing to anyone with information about the suspects involved to contact their local police or CrimeStop on 08600 10111,” said Gwala.
