DURBAN - KWAZULU- Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Sipho Hlomuka, has revealed that the slain Inkosi Hlanganani Biyela, had pleaded with the government to fast-track intervention in the killings of Amakhosi in the province.
The MEC said this during the last day of the province-wide hearings, on Tuesday. The hearings were held at the Ugu and iLembe District Municipalities, after they were agreed upon at an Imbizo in Durban, which was when Biyela made his plea to the government.
“In the first hearing we held in Durban, on September 23, 2021, the amakhosi made it clear that they were the ones to blame in the continued killings in their communities.
“The late Inkosi, Hlanganani Biyela, pleaded with the government to intervene urgently and for it to take the hearings to every district in the province for the purpose of engaging every traditional leader.
“And, to open space for everyone to have an opinion as the issue involves them as well, which is important in finding a diverse pool of solutions,” said Hlomuka.
Two months later, Biyela was gunned down outside his home in Eshowe.
The MEC encouraged Izinduna to be at the forefront in the fight against the existing conflicts, in the most affected areas.
“Izinduna should not wait for the MEC to make an appearance to support the Amakhosi in their areas.
“But the problems begin in their communities, and should be addressed in that approach. Do not wait for me to come with solutions, but (find them) together with the community and other elders in the area to deal with whatever conflict exists.
“The government cannot alone deal with the issue of the killings, as statistics have shown, the ratio for a police official per population is dire. That is why these hearings were initiated with the help of the communities,” said Hlomuka.
Hlomuka said his department will be finalising the appointment of Izinduna to the national government.
“After we had spoken with the government, it committed itself to help in the appointment of Izinduna. The government did promise this financial year, that it would be financing the payment of Izinduna. We will on September 26, finalise the details for that agreement,” said Hlomuka.
Last week, the KZN government led a high level discussion, where law enforcement revealed the number of cases it was pursuing in relation to the killings.
“In the meeting, Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, revealed a report showing the national government had taken a serious approach. The commissioner said the police are investigating 42 incidents that occurred from as far back as 2012. During the investigations, 25 people were arrested. The key findings from the police were that most of these cases were due to positions, land conflict and family infighting,” said Hlomuka.
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