The KwaZulu-Natal Democratic Alliance has called on the "real leaders" in the African National Congress to put an end to the political killings in the province. The party says the ANC's unwillingness to testify at the Moerane inquiry into political killings in the province is not helping the situation.
"The ANC are not committing to giving evidence at the commission," the DA's Francois Rodgers said.
The Moerane Commission of Inquiry heard last month how the Glebelands hostel is a place to go shopping for hitmen. Close to 100 people have died in violence believed to be linked to political killings in the province since March 2014.
The DA's comments were incited by the killing of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa, who was shot along with two other councillors in July. He succumbed to injuries and died at the Albert Luthuli Hospital on Monday at the age of 35.
'Democracy run by bullet and not the ballot'
Rodgers told Huffpost that the violence in KZN was unacceptable and that it is "incumbent" on the ANC to try and find solutions to the ongoing political killings in the province. The party said the province continues to be robbed of young people because of political killings.
"Our democracy is been run by the bullet not the ballot," Rodgers said.
Magaqa's death will not just affect the ANC, but bring instability in uMzimkhulu which will translate in delays in service delivery, he added.
The party has formally asked ANC KZN chair Sihle Zikhalala to find ways to address the issue.
Magaqa leaves behind 'unfinished work'
Meanwhile, the ANC described Magaqa as "a true product of the revolutionary movement " and a loyal member of the party.
Elected at the ANC Youth League's 24th National Congress, Magaqa was formerly part of the ANCYL's top six alongside Julius Malema before his suspension in 2012.
He returned to the fold and was deployed as a councillor in the uMzimkhulu municipality.
"He understood that his generational mission remained unfulfilled and affirmed his belief in the ANC as the only reliable tool in the hands of the people to drive it," the ANC said in a statement.
The ruling party said Magaqa will be remembered as a gentle soul and a fearless fighter and acknowledged his contribution to the struggles of youth, South Africans in general and economic freedom.
They continued: "He leaves behind his unfinished life's work and we trust it calls upon the current generation of youth and youth activists to pick up his fallen spear and continue the mission for the realization of economic freedom in our lifetime."