KZN Premier concerned about killing of traditional leaders

The South African Police Service (SAPS) have told KZN Premier that they are investigating 51 murder cases of traditional leaders, going back to 2012 and to-date.

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Nomusa Dube-Ncube informed amakhosi and izinduna about this when she met with them on Thursday to discuss issues pertaining to their livelihoods as well as other matters.

The Premier said 30 people have been arrested, while 18 cases are still pending in court. “In two of these cases, the accused were found guilty. Six remain undetected,” Dube-Ncube added.

She cautioned that the killing of traditional leaders is a direct attack on the State, as it threatens to destabilize an institution critical to the stability and order of society.

Briefing media following a Provincial Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, Dube-Ncube mentioned that possible motives behind the killings of traditional leaders include the struggle for chieftaincy, land disputes, family disputes and even taxi-related disputes.

She said the province of KwaZulu-Natal takes the safety and security of Amakhosi and Izinduna seriously, and during meetings with Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, EXCO made it clear that all stops must be pulled to end these murders.

“We have asked that the Security Cluster explore the feasibility of setting up specialised units such as a Traditional Leaders’ Safety Unit, whose task will be to look after the safety of traditional leaders, especially those whose assessments reveal a security threat,” she told media.

The Premier reiterated a call on all traditional leaders to collaborate and support government, as “we seek together to build a better KwaZulu-Natal for all.”