SACP shocked at killing of Numsa members

Johannesburg - The SA Communist Party (SACP) on Friday condemned the killing of three Numsa members in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal.

"The SACP is shocked and gravely disturbed by the shooting that claimed the lives of three trade union leaders and caused serious injuries to the fourth who is fighting for his life in hospital," SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande said in a statement.

National Union of Metalworkers of SA Isithebe secretary Njabulo Ndebele, his deputy Sibonelo "John-John" Ntuli, and Ntobeko Maphumulo were killed on Wednesday night on the way back from a union meeting in Durban.

A fourth person who was with the three was wounded and is in hospital.

Police said the men were shot dead at Mabhengwane Road, Chappies section.

The motive of the killing was unknown.

Nzimande called on workers and trade unionists not to turn against each other or use violence in any form.

"We are extremely worried about a trend towards the use of intimidation, violence, and killings by criminal elements to manufacture the consent of workers and union leaders. This must come to an end with immediate effect."

He called on police to investigate the killings and ensure a successful prosecution.