KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has issued a call to the warring parties at Umlazi Unit to cease the cycle of violent incidents that have reportedly resulted in the burning and destruction of property and the deaths of two people in the area in the past few days.
“According to reports, the violence is as a result of differences between members of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the National Freedom Party (NFP), who both reside within the precincts of T Section, otherwise known as 17 hostel.
“We strongly deplore any acts of any kind of destruction of property either by fire or otherwise, as well as the loss of life that is brought about by any willful act. To this effect MEC for Safety and Security Mr Willis Mchunu is leading a team that is negotiating with both parties in order to find a way out of the volatile situation.
“We urge all parties to respect the rights to property, safety and life of everyone, especially their neighbours, in this context. As provincial government we view the situation with grave concern and denounce all provocative and retaliatory action taken by any of the parties involved.
“We call upon all responsible citizens to take it upon themselves to act in an exemplary way by refraining from any destructive and violent behaviour. Fears have been expressed that this kind of violent behaviour could unleash a repeat of the violence that wrecked this province in the past.
“We reiterate that such a state of affairs is viewed as intolerable, and that we as government will do everything in our power to ensure that there is no recurrence of such destructive behaviour.
“While negotiations take place to secure peace, safety and security, we reassure the public that our security machinery will take all necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails, and that any unruly elements found to be violating the rights of others will face the might of the law.
“Our country has gone a long way down the path of safety and security, and we are determined to prevent any attempts to derail the strides taken thus far in pursuit of peace and security in our province.
“We urge the police to make sure that the problem is eradicated and solved once and for all, and for all perpetrators to feel the full might of the law. We must dismantle all no-go zones and impose political tolerance. Perpetrators must be found and arrested. Party flags must not be used as a shield by criminal and unruly mobs bent on achieving their own ends.
“We wish to send our sincerest apology to the Premier Soccer League and the clubs whose game was unceremoniously and abruptly interrupted by the end result of the violence. What happened at Umlazi’s King Zwelithini Stadium is not a reflection of the orderliness that normally prevails in KZN. We decry and find inacceptable the barbaric conduct that disrupts normal sport, a recreational activity normally used to create peace.”
Contact:Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson for Premier Zweli Mkhize
Cell: 082 375 4742
