Ulundi: KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has welcomed the arrest of three suspects in the murder of Ibambabukhosi Mzomuhle Zondi of the Zondi Traditional Community, who was killed on the 10th of November by unknown assailants.
According to the South African Police Service, three suspects were arrested yesterday, (two women and a man), aged between 49 and 73 years who are expected to appear before the Nkandla Magistrates Court tomorrow, 10 December for the murder.
Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka has commended the speedy response by the police which has resulted in the arrests.
MEC Hlomuka accompanied by the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Jomo Sibiya who is also the District champion for Zululand District, met with amakhosi and izinduna from the districts of Zululand, uMkhanyakude and King Cetshwayo as part of ongoing engagements aimed at finding solutions that will stabilize the institution of traditional leadership within the province.
The main objective of Imbizo was to discuss the killing of amakhosi and izinduna which has become rampant in the province.
According to a report that tabled by Brigadier Mbele, who heads the task team dealing with cases relating to the murder of amakhosi and izinduna, the province has experienced over 43 murders and attempted murders on amakhosi and izinduna since 2018. In his report Brigadier Mbele indicated that 13 amakhosi and 30 izinduna have been killed, with 43 cases having been opened (39 murder cases, attempted murder x 2, conspiracy to commit murder x1 and 1 kidnapping case).
Mbele confirmed that one conviction was secured for the murder of Induna from Msinsini a Mr Fungwayo Shezi who was murdered, and in the case, a Mr Zondi was sentenced to 18 years in jail for the murder.
In his remarks to amakhosi and izinduna, MEC Hlomuka gave a comprehensive report on the steps the department is taking to deal with matters of amakhosi and izinduna. “As a department, we are working hard to ensure issues raised in this imbizo are given the attention they warrant,” said Hlomuka.
MEC Hlomuka also vowed that his department will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and all stakeholders to ensure that stability is brought to the institution of traditional leadership.
Giving a message of support, MEC Sibiya called upon communities to play a proactive role in ensuring that traditional leaders feel safe. He further encouraged society to revive the respect that has always been accorded to the institution of traditional leadership.
In his remarks the Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza commended the meeting for having started to point at issues that warrant the attention of both the Government and the Institution of Traditional leadership. He further commended the department led by MEC Hlomuka for raising the tempo in addressing issues the matter of murders of amakhosi and izinduna.
Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
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