MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has called for an end to the conflict between the Mthembu and Shange families in KwaMtamontengayo, next to Zwelibomvu in Durban, which has claimed the lives of four people.
On Saturday (18 July 2015) Mr Bongani Shozi (31) was shot and killed while Mr Sizwe Shange was shot and survived. He is in a critical condition in hospital. Reports reveal that, the incident follows the killing of Mathintimpi Shange who was a Sangoma. It also follows the killing of an Induna and his son who were accused of taking Shange’s side. All these incidents took place because it is suspected that the Shange family was intending to pay revenge to Mthembu family. Police are investigating two counts of murder and no arrest(s) has been made.
Today (21 July 2015) Mchunu condemned the latest incident and called for peace and stability between two families. “We cannot accept that so much people have been killed in this conflict. History has taught us that violence should be avoided at all costs, as it breeds never ending grudges, hatred and deaths.
“I will task a team from our Department of Community Safety and Liaison to work with the police and the community safety structures to look thoroughly into this incident and conduct Communities-in-Dialogue. I also urge the families to work in partnership with us,” urged MEC Mchunu.
He called for the establishment of peace structures, urging community leadership to lead this process. He also sent his heartfelt condolences to Shozi’s family and wished Sizwe Shange a speedy recovery.
Enquires:
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082-682-6437
E-mail: Sipho.khumalo@comsafety.gov.za
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462/ 079 6995755
E-mail: Kwanele.ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
