Promoting Political Tolerance and Combating Violence: The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Political Killings in KwaZulu-Natal

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Political Killings in KwaZulu-Natal is a collaboration between various government departments, aiming to promote political tolerance and combat violence in South Africa’s political landscape.

Formation and Purpose

In 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa formed the IMC and tasked it with preventing KwaZulu-Natal from becoming a “killing field.” The committee comprises the Ministers of State Security, Defense, Justice, Correctional Services, and Police.

Task Team and Progress

The IMC’s Task Team includes members from different departments, such as SAPS, NPA, SSA, and Correctional Services. The team is dedicated to arresting individuals who use violence to settle political scores.

Since its inception, the team has investigated 321 dockets, resulting in the arrest of 348 suspects, 62 convictions, and 155 ongoing court cases. Firearms are the primary weapon of choice in politically motivated attacks, prompting the team to recover 46 firearms linked to multiple political murder cases.

Impact on KwaZulu-Natal

The IMC’s work has stabilized eight of KwaZulu-Natal’s eleven regions. However, the eThekwini Metropolitan area remains a concern.

Most Affected Political Parties

The investigations have revealed that the most affected political parties are the ANC, IFP, and NFP. Since 2011, a total of 52 councillors have been killed, with 103 officials working within municipalities also targeted.

Prosecutions

The Task Team’s diligent approach to investigations and prosecutions has resulted in heavy sentences for both the individuals who carried out the attacks and those who ordered them. The combined sentences of those convicted total 1,517 years of imprisonment.

High-Profile Cases

High-profile cases include the arrests and convictions of notorious hitmen, politicians, and business figures from various political parties. Several hit orderers have been arrested and charged for the murder of political figures, with trials set for 2023 and 2024.

Upcoming Elections

Efforts are being intensified to bolster the IMC’s work and expedite investigations with the National General Elections approaching in 2023. The IMC has resolved to establish dedicated courts to speed up the prosecution of politically related crimes.

Impact Beyond KwaZulu-Natal

The IMC’s impact extends beyond KwaZulu-Natal as the Task Team has contributed to investigations and breakthroughs in murder cases at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape. It is also assisting with investigations in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

The IMC’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting political tolerance, addressing the factors that drive violence, and ensuring justice is served for the victims of politically motivated crimes.