KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu has learnt with shock the killing of an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader at the KwaMashu hostel. According to the reports, a 34 year old male who is believed to be an IFP block Chairperson at the KwaMashu hostel was murdered last night.
The police report reveals that unknown man opened fire at around 21h45. Police are investigating the case of murder and no arrest has been made yet. This killing comes amid tensions between the IFP and the National Freedom Party (NFP) at the hostel following the abduction and killing of IFP councilor, Themba Xulu last month.
Xulu was found murdered at iNanda and his killing fuelled tensions and violence at the hostel. Xulu’s murder followed by the killing of two people the same weekend. During the court appearance in Ntuzuma, an IFP supporter was killed in a broad daylight during confrontation between NFP and IFP members.
Prominent NFP leader, Bhungu Gwala and his two sons were arrested for killing a woman who was believed to be an IFP supporter. The yesterday’s incident is believed to have been sparked by the release of Gwala’s son who is also a suspect in the murder of IFP supporter.
Yesterday Mchunu received a report apprising him of people who were burning tyres and barricading the roads inside the hostel, protesting the court decision to grand Gwala a bail.
This killing come after serious progress has been made to create a space for political leaders at the hostel to address differences and to ensure the environment conducive for free political activities.
“I condemn the killing of an IFP leader. This will create an unnecessary state of panic to the people of ward -39 as we are going to have a by-election next month. The on-going killings in the hostel are a serious concern to government and the people of this province. I appeal to all political leaders to come out strongly to condemn violence.
Strides have been made at the multi-Political party level to create a space for political parties in the hostel to engage and resolve their differences amicably. Yesterday we were having a meeting in Durban to ascertain a clear programme of action for free political campaigning building up to the by-election. I was therefore taken by surprise to learn that there has been yet another killing. I however remain confident that police will find perpetrators of this crime. I appeal for calm and political tolerance at the KwaMashu hostel,” said Mchunu.
For more info contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 079 699 5755 or 072 803 1462
