Lungani Zungu
Seven decades ago, in 1949, Indians and Blacks were locked in a bitter war that lasted two weeks and claimed the lives of 42 people in Durban.
And now, 72 years later, the two groups are embroiled in yet another bloody battle in Phoenix that has claimed the lives of more than 50 people.
Now IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and struggle icon Mac Maharaj have pleaded with the warring groups to stop the feuding.
“Indians are our brothers. We should live in harmony here in Durban and the entire South Africa,” said Buthelezi, who is prominent even in predominantly Indian places, including Phoenix and Chatsworth.
“My role as a leader is to unite all people regardless of race. I urge other leaders to do the same, especially in Phoenix.”
Maharaj agreed.
“We cannot allow tensions to deteriorate to the point of bloodshed. We can’t allow more people dying in Phoenix,” he said.
It has been claimed that KwaMashu hostel dwellers near Phoenix were plotting revenge against their Indian counterparts, but hostel-dwellers organisation, Ubunye BamaHostela, have rubbished these claims.
They, like Buthelezi and Maharaj, called for peace.
“We call on all South Africans to reject violence, and the spread of lies and disinformation intended to cause fear and divide us,” said Muzi Ntuli, secretary of Ubunye BamaHostela.
“We denounce all attempts to destabilise our communities and our country.”
There was a heavy police presence outside the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday when the ten suspects linked to the murders in Phoenix appeared in court.
Natasha Kara, Nationl Proseccuring Authority spokesperson in KZN, said the charges the suspects faced included murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
She said the matter was heard in camera to protect the identities of the accused and identity parades were still to be done.
The matter was postponed to Friday for bail consideration.
