Durban - Calls have been made for the police to act swiftly in arresting those responsible for the killing of Zulu royal aide Dr Blassus Khumalo who was assassinated on Saturday evening.
Khumalo, who was a senior member of the Osuthu Royal Council, was killed as he approached his residence while returning from the reed dance festival at Enyokeni Palace.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal expressed shock at the killing, saying the killers had inflicted irreparable damage.
ANC KZN spokesperson Mafika Mndebele described Khumalo as an academic giant, historian and a culturalist whose contribution would be missed.
“Whilst police enforcement has been strengthened at Enyokeni Royal Palace by the Police Minister Bheki Cele following our call, we are calling those who might have seen the gunmen who murdered Mashobane as he approached his residence to hand over the information to law-enforcement agencies,” said Mndebele.
He added that the ruling party would provide support to the royal family during the period of mourning.
“We have assigned members of the executive council deployed to lead the ANC government to offer their support to the Khumalo family, His Majesty and the royal family as they deal with the loss. As the ANC we will do the same,” said Mndebele.
He noted that the killing took place after the successful reed dance was held over the weekend.
“We are calling upon the people of KwaZulu-Natal to pray for the Khumalo family and the entire royal household during this time of mourning. We extend our sympathies to Indonsa Yesizwe and all other structures he served with distinction,” the spokesperson said.
The killing comes as the Prince Smakade contends that he is the rightful heir to the throne and has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to recognise him as Zulu king, and not King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.