Nongoma, a municipality in the Zululand District of South Africa, has experienced a surge in political violence resulting in the assassinations of more than 50 councillors and over 100 political office bearers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province since 2011. The latest victim, NFP Councilor Ntombenhle Mchunu, was murdered in her sleep at the age of 75 in July 2023.
Task Team Investigation
To investigate politically motivated killings in the KZN province, a task team was established in 2018. Since then, the team has arrested 348 suspects and secured 18 life sentences for such cases.
Security Meeting with Nongoma Councilors
In response to the escalating political tensions in Nongoma, Police Minister General Bheki Cele and SAPS management, led by National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, held a security meeting with over 40 Nongoma Local Municipality councillors on September 7, 2023. The meeting was attended by KZN MEC for Community Safety Sipho Hlomuka, the Mayor, Speaker of Council, and representatives from affected political parties and was held at the Nongoma Local Municipal office.
Call for Tolerance and Warning Against Violence
During the meeting, Minister Cele urged all political actors to practice tolerance but also warned against resorting to violence and criminality to resolve coalition disputes. The police would not hesitate to take action against such individuals, he added, emphasizing that “Silencing of the guns will happen, but it doesn’t change the fact that crimes have been committed, and police must and will act.”
Pledge for Additional Resources
National Commissioner Masemola pledged additional resources to identified areas of concern in the Zululand District, including enhancing investigative capabilities for political cases. Combat teams will be deployed incrementally to increase the overall SAPS presence in hotspot areas, particularly as the nation prepares for the National General Elections next year.
Ensuring Safety and Upholding the Rule of Law
The call for peace and the commitment to strengthen policing and law enforcement in Nongoma is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of councillors, political office bearers, and citizens alike. As political tensions rise, fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and cooperation among political players is essential. Ultimately, the goal is to uphold the rule of law and ensure that acts of violence and intimidation do not disrupt the democratic process in South Africa.
