THE National Freedom Party leader who allegedly shot dead an IFP supporter outside the Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court on Monday was fired as a school principal in June for allegedly raping a pupil.

Provincial education department spokesman Sihle Mlotshwa yesterday confirmed that Mzonjani Zulu was axed from Manxele High School in Mbongolwene outside Eshowe.

"It is true that the person in question was an employee of the department. He was expelled this year on a charge of raping a learner. He was fired after the department's internal investigation found him guilty."

Zulu allegedly paid damages and lobola for another pupil whom he apparently had an intimate relationship with a few years ago.

He was among the first IFP leaders to be expelled in 2010 for bringing the party into disrepute after he led a group of disgruntled members on a march to the party's headquarters in Durban - calling for a change of leadership. The group wanted then party chairwoman Zanele Magwaza-Msibi to take over the reins from president Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

On Monday, minutes after he spoke of peace between the two parties, Zulu fired two shots, allegedly killing Siya Dlamini in full view of the police and journalists.

Zulu appeared in court on Wednesday. His case was postponed to November 5 for a formal bail application.

Later, in the same court, another NFP leader, Bhungu Gwala, his two sons Bonginhlanhla and Mjabulelwa, and Sibusiso Ncengwa appeared for allegedly killing Cebesile Shezi.

Shezi, who was wearing an IFP T-shirt, was shot dead near the Thembalihle railway station in KwaMashu on October 6.