MSINGA, KwaZulu-Natal — The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has confirmed that IFP councillor James (Bheki) Mabaso was killed in Msinga, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, further intensifying concerns over political violence in the region ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Mabaso, who was slated to appear on the IFP’s Proportional Representation (PR) list, was discovered dead with gunshot wounds at his residence.
According to a statement released by IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa, the devastating incident occurred at Mabaso’s home. In addition to his role as a PR candidate, Mabaso was a dedicated community leader who served as the chief chairperson of the IFP’s Gordon branch in Ward 18 in Msinga.
Authorities have stated that the motive for the attack remains unknown at this stage, and a formal investigation is currently underway. Spokesperson Hlengwa emphasized that this senseless act is part of a broader, alarming trend, noting that Mabaso is the third IFP candidate to be killed in the province this month alone.
This latest tragedy follows a string of recent violent incidents, including the fatal shootings of two ward councillor candidates in other local municipalities just last week. These separate, targeted incidents have prompted urgent calls from party leadership for enhanced security measures and decisive intervention to protect political candidates operating in volatile areas.
The IFP continues to mourn the loss of Mabaso while demanding accountability and swift action from law enforcement to curb the escalating wave of political killings in the province.
