KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu has noted with concern the attack and attempts to assassinate the Mayor of Richmond Local Municipality, Cllr Andrew Ragavaloo.
Mchunu was commenting in the wake of the report that shots were fired at the home of the Mayor but no one was harmed. Police are currently investigating a case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property. No arrest has been made yet.
Mchunu condemned this incident, saying that public representatives should be respected as they were democratically elected to their positions. “We have recently experienced a spate of attacks on public representatives and councillors. This has mainly happened in areas such as Estcourt and uMsinga. It appears to us that these incidents, in one way or another, have a political link to them. This is a source of concern to us, and we once again, want to call for political tolerance and that all political differences should be resolved through a dialogue,” said Mchunu.
The MEC said he has also noted reports on the incidents of public protests accompanied by violence including blockading of roads and the burning of tyres in Richmond.
“While we respect the constitutional rights of people to hold public protests, we are, however, totally against the violence and mayhem that accompany such protests. Our strong view and belief is that any differences could only be resolved through peaceful engagements,” said Mchunu.
Media enquiries:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462/079 699 5755
E-mail: Kwanele.ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437
E-mail: Sipho.khumalo@comsafety.gov.za
