By Celani Sikhakhane
- MK Party says police must act fast to find the killers of Lucky Sibambo, who once accused DA’s Chris Pappas of disrespecting the national flag.
- Sibambo was shot outside his home on Sunday morning — police suspect a business motive, but political tensions are also in the spotlight.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party in KwaZulu-Natal has condemned the killing of one of its most vocal members, Lucky Sibambo — a man known for publicly confronting Democratic Alliance politician Chris Pappas live on television.
Sibambo made headlines during the 2024 general election campaign when he accused Pappas, the former DA provincial premier candidate, of burning the South African flag. At the time, he also said he feared Pappas, claiming that he wanted to scrap black economic empowerment.
Now the MK Party is demanding answers after Sibambo was gunned down outside his home in Thornville, Pietermaritzburg, early on Sunday morning.
“We call on the SAPS to work swiftly in finding the culprits behind this cowardly act. The Provincial Detachment sends its condolences to the Sibambo family, friends, and the Commander General President Jacob Zuma in losing a loyal foot soldier. Rest in Power Commander,” the party said.
Police have not confirmed the motive for Sibambo’s murder. However, early investigations suggest it may be related to his business dealings.
Sibambo was a well-known businessman in Pietermaritzburg and active in the forestry sector. He founded Duzi Forestry Engineers and was returning from Durban when he was ambushed by unknown attackers.
He was also the national deputy organiser for the South African Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, a group linked to the MK Party that represents non-government and non-profit organisations.
His murder is the latest in a series of killings linked to the party. In March, MK Party organiser Vusimuzi Blesser Ntuli was shot dead in uMlazi, with police saying it was likely a political hit. In June, another member, Mxolisi Zungu, was gunned down while walking with his wife and child in Cato Manor, outside Durban.
MK Party leaders say these killings show their members are being targeted and are calling on police to treat these cases with urgency.
Pictured above: MKP wants SAPS to leave no stone unturned over the murder of its prominent member and businessman Lucky Sibambo in Pietermaritzburg.
Image source: X
