KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu has expressed concerns at the on-going conflict at eMatheni village, KwaNongoma, urging communities in conflict to urgently work towards peace in the area.
Mchunu’s appeal comes in the wake of latest reports that a further two people have been gunned down in KwaNongoma this week. Reports indicate that Mr Muntu Buthelezi (38) of Ezimpakaneni was shot dead by three unknown assailants last night, Thursday 20 June 2013.
The late Buthelezi is reportedly related to the Buthelezi family of Matshemhlophe in eMatheni. The fight, which initially involved two families (Sibiya and Buthelezi) operating taxi businesses in the area, has since engulfed the whole eMatheni Traditional Community with the locals being forced to choose sides between the two warring groups.
At least more than 15 people have been killed in this conflict with others being shot dead in Gauteng. With regards to the latest murder of Buthelezi, it is alleged that two gunmen knocked at the door at his home and were let in by a child. The gunmen allegedly proceeded straight to his (Buthelezi’s) bedroom where he was in the company of his wife.
He was allegedly shot dead in a hail of 13 bullets and died on the scene. Three suspects have been detained for questioning by Nongoma police but others are still at large. In another incident, Ms Zanele Mncube (30-year old female) residing at Ekubuseni in the Vuna area was gunned down by two unknown gunmen who knocked in her house at 7h30.
She died on the spot after she was shot twice in the head and in her hand. It is, however, not clear whether this incident is also linked to the raging eMatheni conflict. Police are investigating these murders. Mchunu, who a fortnight ago led a high level delegation to eMatheni in a bid to broker peace, yesterday expressed disappointment at this unfortunate development.
"My call goes to the parties involved in this conflict to give the current peace initiative underway an opportunity to bring stability and lasting peace in the area. The unfortunate on-going loss of life in the area undermines our commitment to work towards a lasting peace in the area," said Mchunu.
He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and recommitted his department and the SAPS to doing everything possible to resolve this conflict. Mchunu noted that one of the key drivers of this conflict was the proliferation of illegal weapons in the area which further fuels the conflict.
A multi-disciplinary team of detectives has been assembled and tasked to study all cases, including removing illegal firearms circulating in the community.
Contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 079 699 5755
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437
