By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former e-TV and SABC sports anchor Jeffery Zikhali was shot and killed in a suspected hijacking incident at Ndabayakhe in the Empangeni area in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said police in Empangeni opened a case of murder for investigation after the body of a 59-year-old man was found lying on the R102 road near the Ndabayakhe off-ramp on Friday.
Netshiunda said police were on a routine patrol when they stumbled on the body.
“A cellphone and a driver’s licence were found next to the body which assisted in identifying the man. He was declared dead on the scene,” he said.
He added the motive of the killing and the suspects were unknown at this stage and police were appealing to anyone who might have information which might assist in the investigation to contact the Empangeni police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS app.
Zikhali was a former e.tv and SABC sports anchor. He also served as a spokesperson for the provincial department of agriculture and rural development.
KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, MEC Sipho Hlomuka has condemned Zikhali’s murder and has called on the public to assist police with information to ensure that the criminals are apprehended.
Hlomuka said Empangeni SAPS have begun a manhunt to find the perpetrators who also drove away in Zikhali’s vehicle.
He added that law enforcement is working on profiling and identifying crime hot spot areas where police visibility will be increased to ensure the safety of the people of the province.