A traditional leader in KwaZulu-Natal was gunned down during a weekend of mourning for the late AmaZulu King, Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.

Gibson Mbuyisa was killed near his business in Mahlabathini in uLundi by thugs who wanted to buy alcohol and cigarettes on Saturday.

His death has raised the killing of traditional leaders in KZN to 52 since 2012.

The family members who spoke to Scrolla.Africa, on condition of anonymity, believe that the matter might be related to the infighting over his position as the representative of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in the area under Chief Vukile Ntombela.

“When these people came to his business, he was there to fetch his wife. They asked for Savannah and cigarettes, but they were told that nothing was there.

“They insisted but they ended up making their way to him and shooting him and he died on the scene,” said a family member.

The family member says they still don’t understand why he was murdered.

“He was also in the taxi business and he was facing a lot of infighting over his position,” said the relative.

The National Freedom Party leader in Zululand, Siphamandla Ntombela, said that it’s high time for the government to take the lives of traditional leaders seriously.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi said that they are saddened by the assassination of Mbuyisa, who was the King’s representative, his iso leSilo, in the area.

His murder comes after days of an outcry over the safety of traditional leaders in KZN.

Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiwe confirmed the death and said no arrest had been made yet.

Picture above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s representative Gibson Mbuyisa who was killed on Saturday.

Image source: Supplied