EFF activist Simangaliso Zwane was gunned down in Vryheid on Thursday. | Supplied
Durban — While the EFF is celebrating its 11th anniversary, it is also mourning the murder of an activist in Vryheid, northern KwaZulu-Natal, who was gunned down at close range by a person who masqueraded as a potential client on Thursday night.
Simangaliso Zwane, 34, was a community activist, whistle-blower and businessman who operated a tent-hiring business.
The EFF’s provincial chairperson Mongezi Twala said Zwane was a well-known community activist who unashamedly spoke out against any form of corruption and wrongdoing.
Twala suspected that the incident was linked to Zwane’s efforts to expose corruption in the area.
“We condemn the victimisation of whistle-blowers and we reiterate our call that whistle-blowers must be protected at all times,” said Twala.
The gunman had made an appointment to meet Zwane in connection with hiring a tent and chairs.
“It is alleged that upon arrival at their meeting point in Shoba village near his home in Vryheid, the mysterious client fired gunshots at him,” said Twala.
Zwane’s brother Sibusiso Zwane said he left behind his daughter and son and was robbed of the opportunity to meet his as-yet-unborn grandchild.
Sibusiso said despite his brother being younger than him, he was treated like an elder because of the way he cared for the family.
Although he did not hold a position in the EFF, which he joined in 2022 after being suspended from the IFP, he was considered a community leader.
“He cared for the community and he would reprimand adults for sending young children to a shop at night,” said Sibusiso.
He said his brother was known for championing the rights of others.
“Some years ago there was an issue with Stats SA and some of the workers who were complaining about salaries. They approached him and he intervened and the issue was resolved in favour of the workers.
“He also helped people who were complaining about poor treatment at the Vryheid Hospital. He spoke to the CEO and got the problem solved,” he said.
Sibusiso said the IFP had suspended his brother after he led a protest march to the IFP-led Abaqulusi Municipality against a director who posted on Facebook that residents of Bhekuzulu township were good for nothing, they didn’t work and were dying from Aids.
Sibusiso said he was not there when his brother was shot, but he rushed home after receiving a call about the incident, only to find his lifeless body.
“When I arrived I found him still lying in the street, and when I touched him he was already cold with no pulse,” he said.
Sibusiso said his family would make funeral arrangements once the post-mortem had been carried out.
Sunday Tribune