Murder of respected farming leader shocks KZN community

KWAZULU-NATAL police are on the hunt for a gang of four males following a murder and robbery that unfolded in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, on the evening of Boxing Day.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA) in KZN chairperson Mbongeni Skhakhane was killed during the incident.According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza, police in Hilton are investigating a murder and house robbery.

"It is reported that four males accosted a 50-year-old male with a firearm outside his house. They forced him inside the house, where there were other family members. He was shot twice, after which the suspects took valuable items from inside the house. The suspects left the scene with the deceased's vehicle," Magwaza said.

He said no arrests have been made.

AFASA expressed deep shock and outrage following Skhakhane's murder.

AFASA national chairperson Molefe Mahape said: "Mr Skhakhane was not only a black farmer but also a respected leader. He served with distinction as the AFASA KwaZulu-Natal provincial chairperson for many years, working tirelessly to uplift emerging farmers and strengthen support for black farmers in the province.

He said Skhakhane recently attended the AFASA Leadership and Strategic Partnership Conference.

According to him, Skhakhane ensured that his Provincial Executive Committee contributed to the agenda and content and secured support from the KZN provincial government.