The Mpumalanga provincial Government has strongly condemned the shooting at the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (MPTKL) Chairperson and President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA). Kgosi Lameck Mathupa Mokoena on Thursday evening last week at one of his Royal Residences at Malengeza Trust in Mkhuhlu. Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Police reports have confirmed that the incident took place at the said residence, with no casualties reported.
Reacting to the incident, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC, Mr Speed Mashilo described the incident as unfortunate and called for law enforcement agencies to get to the bottom of the matter. "Government cannot allow to see such barbaric acts of criminality happening in communities and affecting Amakhosi. We are thankful that there were no reported fatalities and we call on the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to swiftly act and arrest whoever that is behind the shooting".
Assuring the public and Amakhosi of their safety, MEC Mashilo stressed that crime fighting is government's priority and efforts are being made to confront this challenge. "We must be carefully on how we pronounce on the security of Amakhosi as reports of poor security to traditional leaders continue. To this end, an urgent meeting with the MPTKL Executive Committee will soon be held to confront security challenges", he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Parliament's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). Dr Zweli Mkhize, said the committee was deeply concerned by this reported attack in which multiple shots were fired at Kgoshi Mokoena's residence. stressing the paramount role played by traditional leaders. "Traditional leaders play an important role in community leadership, social cohesion, conflict resolution and the promotion of development at grassroots level. They work closely with communities and government structures to advance service delivery, address local challenges and preserve customary values and cultural heritage. Any attack on their lives undermines these responsibilities and creates fear and insecurity within the communities they serve", the Chairperson said.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident. According to SAPS. Kgoshi Mokoena reportedly heard gunshots outside his house before the shots began targeting the property. Police said that upon their arrival, they established that windows at the property had been damaged. police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said cases of attempted murder and malicious damage to property were being investigated. “Police are investigating cases of attempted murder and malicious damage to property". Masondo said.
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATION SERVICES DIRECTORATE
COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE. HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
CONTACT PERSON: MR FREDDY NGOBE: 013766 6014 / 082 859 4630 / flngobe@mpg.gov.za
