Mr Willies Mchunu today (Thursday, 2 October 2014), made a passionate call on the leaders of warring clans in KwaVumbu, outside Weenen in Umtshezi Municipality, to stop fighting and embark on a peace process to end conflict.
This call was made by Mchunu at a meeting with two warring Amakhosi from KwaVumbu, in a bid to end violence which has claimed more than five lives. Five houses were also burnt down and police have confirmed investigating six counts of attempted murder. Mchunu’s engagements with the Zulu and Mabaso traditional leadership is a culmination of a marathon of meetings between the Department of Community Safety and Liaison and these two clans to resolve a dispute over a contested piece of land which was previously owned by a private farmer.
Both clans have people residing in the disputed land and claim to have rights to the ownership of the land. Among those killed, are two males at the KwaMashu hostel, whose murder is believed to be linked to the on-going faction fight. Recently a local ward councillor, Zwela Zwane, was shot and is currently in a serious condition in hospital. Zwane was shot after a peace meeting trying to resolve the situation in the area. These acts of criminality have resulted in a heavy deployment of police to restore order and stability.
Addressing a meeting with Amakhosi, Mchunu urged all parties to engage in a peaceful dialogue. “Today we are starting a process of restoring peace and normality in KwaVumbu. Both A
makhosi have agreed to lead their people in participating in peace building processes. I wish to reiterate that any dispute cannot be resolved through violence and gun fire. All parties have agreed to cease violence and confrontation” said MEC Mchunu.
MEC Mchunu also announced a joint task team of the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, Cogta, Land Affairs and eMtshezi municipality. The team will facilitate ongoing talks between the two clans and report to the MEC on progress. Mchunu is schedule to convene another meeting in the next few weeks to announce the way forward.
Enquiries:
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437
E-mail: Sipho.Khumalo@comsafety.gov.za
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 / 079 6995755
Email: Kwanele.Ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
