KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu calls for calm and restraint following the arrest of an IFP Councillor in KwaMashu.
The Councillor (who could not be named until the court appearance) was arrested at the KwaMashu hostel yesterday.
According to the police, an unlicensed fire-arm was recovered in his house and police are investigating a possible link to other crimes committed in the area. He is due to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate court tomorrow. Immediately after his arrest yesterday, his supporters staged a picket at the local police station.
The KwaMashu hostel is known for its notorious incidents of political violence and instability. Recently there has been spate of killings and confrontation between IFP and NFP members after the ward Councillor, Themba Xulu was abducted and killed. The most recent incidents were attacks which were believed to be targeting the current ward Councillor. He managed to escape unharmed.
A by-stander was killed last month outside the Councillor’s house whiles seeking assistance from a Councillor. Mchunu welcomed the arrest and calls for restraint to members of the KwaMashu community.
“I welcome this arrest because it as a clear indication that no one is above the law. The area of KwaMashu has been experiencing serious political instability
in the recent past. Therefore we urge everyone including political parties to work with the police and government to restore order in this area. I want to commend the police as they continue to work tirelessly in making sure that perpetrators of crimes are brought to book. I also appeal to the people of the area to respect the rule of law regardless of who is implicated. I am optimistic that we are making progress in restoring order and peace political co-existence in the area,” said Mchunu.
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