CoGTA in KZN calls for police to double their efforts in finding killers of Amakhosi

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs ( CoGTA) in KwaZulu-Natal has called upon law enforcement agencies to double their efforts in apprehending criminals responsible for the recent spate of killings of Amakhosi in the province.

The call follows the most recent murder of Inkosi Hlanganani Biyela who was the Chairperson of the King Cetshwayo Local House of Traditional Leaders.

Inkosi Biyela was killed on Saturday night by unknown gunmen at his homestead in Empangeni.

The news of Biyela’s death comes as the institution of traditional leadership mourns the loss of 24-year-old regent, Inkosi Mzomuhle Zondi, of the Zondi Traditional Council under the Nkandla Local Municipality.

He was also killed at his home in the northern part of the province on Wednesday night.

” [KZN MEC for CoGTA Sipho] Hlomuka has called upon the law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous acts of criminality and cowardice. Hlomuka has sent condolences to the family of Inkosi Biyela, his traditional community, and the King Cetshwayo Local House of Traditional Leaders where the Inkosi served diligently as chairperson,” says the Department’s spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila.

The number of traditional leaders killed in KwaZulu-Natal is increasing: 

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza says the killing of traditional leaders in the province is now getting out of control.

He says it is concerning that very few arrests are being made in relation to these heinous crimes.

“We want to convey especially to the law enforcement agencies that they must work hard to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book. This is enough, we cannot tolerate this where Amakhosi are murdered like chickens. We also appeal to all communities, all those with information to bring it to police.”