Durban  - The chairman of the Inkatha Freedom Party's youth brigade was shot dead by unknown assailants in KwaZulu-Natal, police confirmed Monday.

Unidentified attackers pumped eight bullets into Shadrack Dube on Sunday not far from his house at Phumlani township in Hluhluwe, a party member said.

"We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the untimely death of our comrade. While we do not yet know his assailants, we note with concern the almost uniform pattern in the way he and some of our leaders have been assassinated," the IFP said in a statement.

The party alleged that this latest killing was part of a "systematic" campaign to eliminate its top leadership and frighten supporters before general elections.

An election date is yet to be set. The ruling African National Congress is to meet in East London this weekend to discuss its strategy, after unveiling its election manifesto. (dpa)