The IFP has raised grave concerns about the lack of progress in the investigations into a series of murders that have been committed and blames this on a lack of political will from the KZN MEC of Community Safety, Willies Mchunu, which is most notable when the victim is from the opposition and not the ruling party.
“We are extremely concerned that whenever a murder victim is from the opposition, the MEC’s office seems to be dragging its feet in fast tracking the investigation and arresting the killers. Killers will not be nabbed unless MEC Willies Mchunu puts his full weight behind the investigation. The investigations have failed so far mainly because the MEC has not shown the political will to expedite them. Unless and until the MEC speaks louder assuring his complete political will to back these investigations, we are not going to see any progress,” said IFP National Chairperson, Mr Blessed Gwala, MPL.
“We are disappointed in the police for failing to yet make an arrest. Many people have recently lost their lives in KZN namely: IFP Ward 39 chairperson at KwaMashu Hostel‚ Mbhasobheni Biyela‚ who was gunned down last weekend and Indaka Municipal Manager, Sinatra Khumalo who was shot dead by three gunmen in Ladysmith. It has been days now but no arrests have been made. No reward has been offered. We all need to be fairly represented in every aspect of life, and policing is one of them. We have concerns about every investigation. We want police officers to be thorough and to conduct proper investigations,” continued Mr Gwala.
“Any killing of a human being is a deplorable act that should be condemned by all right thinking people. We call on our law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. The police are merely assuring us that they are on the right track. How do we believe that when they have not even released the suspects’ sketches to the public?
“The IFP further demands answers from the police as to what progress has been made in the arrest of Councillor Themba Xulu’s and Mzomuhle Bhengu’s killers because its seems as if they[SAPS] are also dragging their feet in these cases.” concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala, IFP National Chairperson, 078 290 5842
For Media Enquiries:
IFP Media Liaison Officer, Mr Phendulani Biyase, 073 024 5675
