By Celani Sikhakhane
Police Minister Bheki Cele went to Nquthu in northern KwaZulu-Natal in an attempt to stop the bloodshed in the area, where five families are involved in a bitter dispute caused by illegal mining gangs from the area.
On Wednesday, Cele met with the families, including the community of a KwaZulu village, to discuss a way forward to bring peace to the area.
The bitter and bloody dispute is said to have been started by a clash between zama zama gangs in Gauteng which involved members of the five families.
Scrolla.Africa has learned that the fight started when one of the zama zamas was killed in Gauteng and his family accused his neighbours of betrayal.
Cele was joined by the KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, SAPS national commissioner General Fannie Masemola and traditional leaders led by Inkosi Sithole.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that the feud had led to increased criminal activity in the area.
“The supposed feud has escalated to criminal activities both in the area and in parts of Gauteng,” said Netshiunda.
Scrolla.Africa spoke to police officers who were nearly killed when they were called in to ease tensions between the families recently.
“When we were called to fight against the bloodshed here, we were met with gunfire that led to bad injuries to one of our members,” said a police officer.
“Our provincial commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi showed brave leadership. He gave us serious backup because we were facing death.”
The feud has left many widows and orphans in Nquthu.
Pictured above: The community of kwaNqulu village in Nquthu met with Police minister Bheki Cele.
Image source: Supplied
