Amajuba mourns passing of Utrecht traditional leader
Inkosi Khumalo was travelling with his family to Nquthu when he was gunned down on Saturday (October 28)
The assassination-style murder at the weekend of a traditional leader and his wife while they travelling on the Utrecht/Kingsley road has left the Amajuba community in shock.
Inkosi Siphamandla Patrick Khumalo (41), the traditional leader of the Amantungwa traditional council and his wife, uNdlunkulu Ma-Dhlamini , were ambushed by unknown gunmen on the stretch of road. Their four-year-old child survived the shooting.
Khumalo was the Chairperson of the Amajuba Chairperson of the Local House of Traditional leaders in the Amajuba District as well as an Executive Committee member of the Provincial House, of Traditional Leaders in Kwazulu-Natal.
He is the latest casualty in assassinations and assassination attempts of traditional leaders in the Kwazulu-Natal province.
He previously survived an assassination attempt when unknown men pounced on him outside his home.
Traditional leaders in the province have previously appealed to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to do something about the on-going violence against traditional leaders.
Newcastle Mayor, Xolani Dube, praised Khumalo as a dedicated and active member in the traditional institutional structures as well as a good leader for his community.
“Inkosi Khumalo served his community with distinction and due diligence. As a member of the Amajuba Local House of Traditional Leaders, He fostered improved relations between different spheres of government and the institution of traditional leadership to the benefit of communities residing in the District” said Dube.
The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Leaders has condemned the ruthless killings of traditional leaders in the province and expressed their loss at the passing of such a prominent member in traditional leadership. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Khumalo family, the friends, and the entire Amantungwa clan and Zulu royal household during this challenging period. “
“The loss of Inkosi Khumalo is not only felt by his immediate family but also reverberates through our portfolio of traditional leadership, the provincial house of traditional Khoisan leadership and the entire Khumalo clan,” said department spokesperson, Siboniso Mngadi.
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes to express heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).
