KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu has applauded the police for making a serious breakthrough by apprehending three NFP councillors who are suspected of murdering their former uMsinga councillor.
Bongani Shelembe, who was an NFP councillor under uMsinga municipality, was killed together with Lungisile Zuma, who was the NFP regional leader in the area. They were both killed on their way from a party meeting in May 2012.
The arrest of the three is subsequent to the arrest of a man who is believed to be a hit-man and the former bodyguard to another NFP councillor. Mchunu has in the recent past been calling for all political parties and communities to work with the police to find the perpetrators of this crime.
Last week Mchunu expressed concerns at the killing of public representatives, stating that such killings undermines peace and stability in communities.
Following the recent arrest, Mchunu has expressed satisfaction on the good work done by the police.
"This confirms our view that our police have expertise and vigour to fight all forms of crime. The arrest of all suspects in this case including, councillors, is a clear example that nobody is above the law.
"We will be monitoring very closely developments as this case unfolds in court. I still want to appeal to communities to work with the police to root out crime in our society. Political differences cannot be resolved through violence. We appeal to people to embrace the culture of negotiations because it is the only solution to all forms of differences," said Mchunu.
The Department of Community Safety and Liaison, under Mchunu’s leadership, will continue to fast-track the work of the Multi-Party Oversight Committee to ensure political stability and political tolerance in the province. Mchunu also applauded the police for the job well done, following the arrest of two suspects for the killing of iNduna of Ngenetsheni outside Vryheid, Mpipini Mncube.
This once again, he said, is a clear indication that police are determined to fight crime.
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Kwanele Ncalane
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Mchunu commends police killings for making a breakthrough following the killing of NFP leaders in Umsinga
Province
