Durban – The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has expressed its concerns and and condemned the spate of councillor killings in KwaZulu-Natal.
This comes after yet another ANC ward councillor, Zakhele Khuzwayo of ward 11, under KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality was killed on Wednesday.
Maphumulo’s shooting comes after the IFP was stunned by the the shooting of its councillor, Siyanda Magubane of Msinga municipality earlier this week.
In the same week, another ANC ward councillor in eThekwini municipality, Mnqobi Molefe, was killed in similar style.
They were all attacked by unknown gunmen and no arrest has been made in all cases.
Thamsanqa Ntuli, Salga KwaZulu-Natal chairperson said in the recently held business session with councillors the issues of safety and police short comings were raised.
Ntuli said councillors were concerned about the lack of police and government protection when they are threatened.
“Salga has called upon the provincial and national governments to assist municipalities to protect councillors.
“As Salga KZN we condemn the senseless, inhuman killing and intimidation of councillors.
“We would like to pass our condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and friends.
“And call upon law enforcement to investigate these acts and make arrests,” said Ntuli.
Meanwhile, the ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo has pleaded with Police Minister Bheki Cele, who is also the chairperson of the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) into political killings in the province to move with speed and investigate the murder and many more others.
Mtolo said In as much as the police were investigating political related killing cases and effecting arrests in KZN, it has taken a decision to call on Sipho Hlomuka, MEC of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison to lead a programme focusing on inculcating a culture of political tolerance as one of the critical interventions
“Through this mechanism, the leadership of the parties are able to intervene to stabilise conflict situations. Such interventions are supported by the implementation of security plans for affected areas.
“During this process it is of critical importance that party leadership condemn any violence and commit to a process to re-establish peace and tolerance among the members of their parties.
“We want the committee to promote intra-political party peace in order to deal with intra-political party violence.
“We also encourage political party leadership to play a critical role in driving intra-political party conflict resolution mechanism and dialogue in the interest of peace and stability for our Province and our country,” he said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE