Another KZN Traditional Leader Killed: Swift Action Needed by New Intervention Unit

Yet another traditional leader, Nkosi Maxwell Mandlakayise Nxumalo (71), was shot and killed yesterday in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by unknown gunmen, outside the local tribal court in Nazareth, Mnambithi.

Since 2012, a total of 42 murder cases relating to Amakhosi and Izinduna have been opened in KZN.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Sipho Hlomuka, said Nxumalo was assassinated in the early hours of yesterday morning.

“The department of Cogta has been actively engaged with the issue of safety concerns raised by Amakhosi. We have been working together with law enforcement agencies and sister departments to come up with ways of dealing with concerns raised by amakhosi,” said Hlomuka.

“We have also noted the work being done by law enforcement agencies to apprehend those that are responsible for the attacks on amakhosi and izinduna.

“The institution of traditional leadership within our province is resilient and will not be shaken by the challenges that have been thrust upon it.”

The upsurge in killings led to the establishment in January of a new KZN Community Safety Intervention Unit.

Today the DA called for the unit’s swift action. Martin Meyer – DA KZN Spokesperson on CoGTA – said for the unit to have any success in eradicating these “barbaric” killings, “it must be fully capacitated, both in terms of staffing and resources. This is the only way to ensure the safety of KZN’s traditional leaders, while sending a clear message to criminals. This is also necessary for those at risk to have any confidence that the unit is on top of its game.”

The DA also believes that the CSIU needs to investigate why Amakhosi and iZinduna are being targeted – even more so recently. “Is it because they are now receiving salaries? Or is it because certain unscrupulous individuals wish to occupy their positions? Or is it politically motivated or pure criminality? These are the questions that need answers,” said Meyer.