Durban - A northern KwaZulu-Natal traditional leader has encouraged members of all communities to report Gender-Based Violence as it could save lives.
Induna in Ulundi Celinhlanhla Zungu on Sunday told how Mjabuliseni Sibiya, 68, shot his wife and his three sons before taking his life. He had been allegedly physically abusive to his wife for years.
He said that the man’s two sons, Sbhamu and Mthabeleni, had left the family home after a fallout with their father allegedly after they began confronting him about his physical abuse. The two had returned to bring their mother a bed and groceries they had bought for her, Zungu said.
“From what we have gathered, I can tell that Sibiya had a history of violent behaviour towards his wife. I do hope that just beyond a news story something is done in terms of counselling for the rest of the family and the community to help people speak out. If we had known and maybe as leaders had paid attention to the fact that he had a gun it would have been taken away from him.”
Zungu said Sibiya’s wife and her younger son were found alive. Zungu alleged that when the brothers arrived with the bed Sibiya apparently told them it would not be kept within the walls that he had built.
“The suggestion from the boys was that the bed be put into the RDP house in the yard. We don’t know what transpired from the time of this suggested solution and when he pulled out a gun shooting at everyone. I was told that the youngest son was allegedly shot after confronting his father, asking him that just because he once shot a dog, was he now going to shoot him?”
He said Sibiya’s relationship with his sons had been strained to the extent that they wanted to leave their homestead, asking for a plot of land to build on. But this could not be done without their father’s blessing who at the time refused.
The two left the area, only to return. Mthabeleni approached the traditional leaders indicating his desire to move back into the area. It was explained that under their traditional leadership it was not allowed for unmarried men to be given land by the chief to build on and both Sibiya’s sons were unmarried.
“But due to laws and for their safety we allow it because everyone has a right to be safe.”
Zungu said Mthabeleni told them the matter had been discussed among the family and it was agreed on.
“When we questioned where his father was to bless the decision, Ndwandwe, who is the boys’ grandfather, said that he was aware of the request and we trusted what we were told.”
Zungu said when he had a conversation with Mthabeleni privately on his reasons for not wanting to live at his family’s home he had allegedly told him that his father had been physically abusive to his mom from the time he was little.
“He told me that as they grew older, they were confrontational towards their father when he became physically abusive towards their mother. Eventually, the two older sons left home. They came back when Mthabeleni was able to get a plot of land,” said Zungu.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said that charges of murder, attempted murder, and an inquest were being investigated by Mahlabathini SAPS.
“It is alleged that on May 28, at 5.30pm in the Ntandakuvela area, a 63-year-old man shot four people and turned the gun on himself. Two were declared dead at the scene as well as the suspect, while the other two were taken to hospital for medical attention. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.”
Speaking on behalf of the area councillor, Ulundi council chief whip Senzo Buthelezi said they were disturbed by the incident.
“We send our condolences and support to the family. The mother and son are still in hospital. Counselling is definitely needed.”
He said that officials were still going to visit the family.
Daily News