DURBAN – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has expressed its deep sorrow over the violent deaths of Inkhosi Siphamandla Khumalo and his wife, Queen Madlamini Khumalo, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) during the past weekend.
According to Parliament of South Africa, Mr. Fikile Xasa, the Chairperson, urged law-enforcement agencies to rigorously investigate and uncover the individuals responsible for the assassination of these prominent community leaders, ensuring they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Mr. Xasa also called upon anyone with information that could contribute to the arrest of the suspected assailants to assist law enforcement in their investigation.
“The success of apprehending the culprits and ensuring their prosecution is highly dependent on the collaboration between law enforcement and the community members who possess vital information. We implore the people of KZN to unite in opposition to this culture of violence, where individuals are taking the lives of others for any reason whatsoever,” stated Mr. Xasa.
Mr. Xasa conveyed the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Inkhosi Khumalo and Queen Khumalo, wishing them strength during this challenging time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Khumalo family and their friends. We hope that Inkhosi Khumalo and Queen Khumalo may rest in peace,” he expressed.
The tragic deaths of Inkhosi Khumalo and Queen Khumalo add to a growing list of violent incidents targeting traditional leaders in KZN municipalities. Just two weeks prior, the committee received a report from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) detailing the assassinations of councilors, municipal officials, and traditional leaders in various regions of the Eastern Cape and KZN.
Committed to addressing this issue, the committee is in the process of devising an action plan aimed at curbing these violent acts. They have also called upon law enforcement to expedite investigations and legal proceedings related to the killings of traditional leaders, fostering a sense of justice and aiding the healing process for affected families.
The committee has initiated dialogue with various stakeholders, including the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, law enforcement bodies, civil society groups, faith-based organizations, rate-payers associations, and traditional leaders, as part of a comprehensive approach to developing this action plan. Through these conversations, the committee aims to contribute to the efforts in preventing further violence.