The IFP in the KZN Legislature, as the Official Opposition has condemned the killing of DA’s Chief Whip in the uMngeni Local Municipality, Mr Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, who was shot dead in Mpophomeni on Tuesday night.
We are outraged by this unconscionable act and denounce the escalating violence against leaders and ordinary citizens. These senseless killings must stop. It is clear that no one is safe if you’re a community leader. It is perplexing because KZN established a Moerane Commission on political killings which has become a futile exercise. We are calling for the re-establishment of murder, and robbery specialised units as well as the firearm unit as we believe that it’s a crucial tool that would help reduce the high number of killings in the province.
As the IFP, we have raised the issue of incompetence on the part of the Crime Intelligence Unit on numerous occasions. The IFP maintains that the Unit has a responsibility to be on the ground, gathering information. Firstly, to prevent atrocities from taking place, and secondly, to arrest those who plan to commit these crimes. However, on numerous occasions, criminals appear to be streets ahead of the Unit. Therefore, it is disheartening that people given the responsibility of protecting and defending people’s right to live a safe life are the very same people who are abrogating them and sowing seeds of disunity.
Political killings as they lead to the loss of lives are creating the unnecessary environment of tension and hatred in the nation.
There is no justification for the murder of anyone, and it gets even worse if the person in question is a community leader. When community leader is killed, his or her community suffers immensely and that is why attacks on community leaders must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.
Not only that, we call upon the police to ensure that a detailed investigation is immediately launched to ascertain both the person behind the plot to shoot and the criminals that executed the said order as mandated by the constitution of South Africa to protect lives, detect and prevent crime, the police service must ensure all perpetrators are apprehended and severely punished. If political killings are left unabated KZN will likely to see an increase in the massacre aimed at innocent people.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Ndlovu family, friends, DA, uMngeni Municipal leadership, Councillors, community and SALGA under the leadership of Cllr Thami Ntuli during this difficult time. We urge the public to assist the police with information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of Mr Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
The IFP reiterate it’s call that KZN Police need to step up their efforts in eradicating illegal guns, which are often used by criminals to commit crime. Further, it is the responsibility of all South Africans to join the fight against crime by reporting those – including family members, friends and relatives – who are committing crimes.
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Contact
Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL
Leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature and IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Community Safety and Liaison,
078 290 5842
