Calls for more political tolerance in Nongoma

Efforts at a national level are being made to bring political stability to Nongoma as councillors live in fear amid assassination threats.

Police Minister Bheki Cele and SAPS management led by national commissioner General Fannie Masemola on Thursday held a security meeting at Nongoma Municipality with over 40 councillors from all political parties.

Recent attacks on councillors include the murder of NFP PR Cllr Ntombenhle Mchunu (75).

Mchunu was assassinated in July. She was in bed asleep next to her grandchild, who was wounded in the attack.

Cele said 52 councillors and 103 political office bearers have been killed in KZN since 2011.

“The task team investigating political killings in KZN is also investigating numerous cases of attempted murder, assault, and acts of intimidation linked to political rivalry. Since its inception in 2018, the team has arrested 348 suspects and secured 18 life sentences for politically-related cases,” said Cele.

Thursday’s meeting was also attended by Community Safety MEC Sipho Hlomuka, the mayor and speaker of Council, as well as representatives from the affected political parties.

During the meeting, Cele called for political tolerance from all parties and warned that the law is closing in on those who choose violence instead of negotiations.

“While we call for peace, I want to be clear that police will not hesitate to act on politicians who use violence and criminality to settle coalition disputes. Silencing of guns will happen but it doesn’t change the fact that crimes have been committed and police must, and will, act,” he said.

“The position of law enforcement agencies is to clean out criminality and enforce the law, without fear or favour.”

General Masemola committed more resources to identified areas in Zululand District, which will include the enhancement of investigative capabilities for political cases.

He said combat teams will increase the overall footprint of the SAPS in hot-spot areas as the country heads to national elections next year.

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