The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has given the police 72 hours to find the killers of Osuthu Royal Council chairperson Dr Duminsani Khumalo, who was gunned down on Saturday after returning from a traditional reed dance ceremony in Kwanongoma's Enyokeni Royal Palace.
Dr Khumalo was brutally killed shortly after taking part in the activities of the royal palace on the weekend ahead of King Misuzulu's keynote address delivered on Sunday with the King observing a moment of silence in honour of his close confidante.
IFP provincial chairperson Thamsanqa Ntuli said incidents of violence and political killings need to be resolved quickly as the province has become synonymous with political assassinations.
Last week a local councillor Siyanda Magubame from Umsinga local municipality was gunned down allegedly by his political opponents. On September 24 last year, Induna Makhosonke Bubu Cele from the iLembe District north of Durban, was attacked by two unknown assailants while in 2020, induna Prince Hlabisa of Umkhanyakude District was also assassinated.
"We call on the SAPS to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice. the IFP is extremely concerned about the brutal killings of izinduna, amakhosi and councillors in the province of KZN," Ntuli said.
The party has called on the minister of police Bheki Cele and national police Commissioner to prioritise the issue of political killings and urged the minister to set up a task team to look into the growing incidents of political killings.
"The state of lawlessness that exists in our province and country at large can no longer be tolerated. Police minister Bheki Cele and national commissioner Fannie Masemola, must now establish an effective task team that will specialise in investigating all political killings in KZN," Ntuli said.
The IFP extended its condolences to the family and the royal family following the killing of Dr Khumalo who was a trusted source of guidance for the newly elected King of the Zulu nation, King Misuzulu.
" The IFP conveys its deepest condolences to the King of the Zulu nation, Prime Minister of the Zulu nation, the royal family, on the tragic passing of Dr Khumalo. He served the nation with respect and loyalty. He also served the late King with distinction. The IFP in KZN also wishes to convey its condolences to Idonsa yeSizwe and the entire community of Kwanongoma for the loss of their beloved Induna, Dr Khumalo, " Ntuli said.
Reacting to the news of Khumalo's passing, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the royal family was shocked by the murder of one of the Zulu nation's most senior and trusted advisors.
" The Zulu Nation has been devasted to learn of the murder of Mr Duminsani Blasius Khumalo, chairperson of the Osuthu Royal Council and senior advisor to His Majesty King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, King of the Zulu Nation. On behalf of His Majesty, the King and the Royal Family, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Khumalo family on this shocking and painful loss, " Buthelezi said.