KZN EDTEA MEC to facilitate talks to restore peace at Eshowe

The KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Sihle Zikalala will tomorrow, March 18, hold crucial engagements to quell tensions between farmers and the community of uMlalazi Municipality in Eshowe.

The MEC’s intervention follows a week of tensions between the community and local farmers following the fatal shooting of a man in the area by a security guard who was patrolling on a farm.

The incident saw angry residents going on a rampage and burning down three farms and blockading roads in the area. MEC Zikalala will meet with traditional leaders, farmers, councillors, the SAPS and representatives of the Zululand Chamber of Commerce.

The incident led to National Police Commissioner, General Khehla John Sitole, calling for calm in the area.

Sitole said the man who allegedly shot Xulu was arrested and called on residents to allow the law to take its course.

“I have tasked to Provincial Commissioner to also mobilise an investigative task team to investigate the burning of the farm house and farms and bring those responsible to book as such behavior is criminal and unacceptable,” Sitole said in the statement.

READ MORE: Police commisioner calls for calm in Eshowe, Umlalazi

MEC Zikalala will also visit the Xulu family and those farmers who were affected by the unrest.

The meeting Zikalala will facilitate is scheduled to start at 9.30am in the Umlalazi Municipality’s Mayor’s boardroom.

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