Madam Speaker, this week the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal has had the unpleasant task to respond to a number of unfortunate incidents that have cost at least 22 lives and resulted in extensive damage to property in the past few days.
The Shonweni Massacre
On Monday, 25 October 2010, at 23:00, an unknown number of gunmen entered two homes in Shongweni dam. They attacked residents of both homes, killing six people, including a boy and a girl aged 2 and 8 respectively. A 13-year old female was raped and shot but survived. The deceased are Sithembiso Nxusa (29), Thabani Zulu (18), Nokuthula Zulu (22), Talente Zulu (2), Ngenzeni Hlongwane (40) and Mthobisi Zulu (8), Senzeni Magcaba (32) was injured.
A task team under the command of Major General Johan Booysen has been ordered by the Provincial Commissioner Lt. General BM Ngobeni to investigate the matter. The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu visited the area and families on 26 October to pay our condolences. The department has planned an Operation Hlasela peace-building intervention for the area.
Accidents in Kokstad
On Sunday, 23 October 2010, an accident on the Main Road 601 between Franklin and Kokstad claimed 18 lives on the scene. The deceased were from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. MEC Mchunu has led a government delegation to Kokstad to convey our condolences and visit the survivors. As government we are assisting with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims.
The provincial government, in partnership with the local government of the Greater Kokstad district, has planned a memorial service in Kokstad today, Thursday, 28 October 2010 to pay our last respects to the departed and send a message of safety on our roads.
Storms
While we were confronted with these tragic incidents, our province has further been ravaged by weather-related unfortunate occurrences. On 23 October 2010 Ward 23 of Emnambithi municipality was affected by a heavy wind and rain storm. The areas of Jononoskop and Matiwaneskop (between Ladysmith and Newcastle) were most affected, involving 24 houses and 74 people. Some of the families have been given tents as temporary shelter. In the Umzinyathi District, the Msinga Local Municipality has been the worst affected.
In Ward 5 of the Abaqulusi Local Municipality three people, including an 11-year old child, died when houses collapsed on them. We have received further reports of roofs being blown off and house walls collapsing in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal we wish to express our condolences and offer support to all affected communities.
