Relentless violence: Celani Sikhakhane visits the notorious KwaMashu hostel and shares his experience with Scrolla.Africa readers.
KwaMashu Hostel is known for its violence. For many years it has remained a dangerous place where killings are common and never seem to stop and nobody seems to be able to do anything about it.
KwaMashu hostel is feared for its violence, where nobody is safe.
As I walked around greeting people during my visit on Tuesday, I asked someone why the violence never ends and suggested it was time to stop. I pointed out that it hurts families and damages KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) reputation across South Africa … but I soon regretted speaking up.
“Why did you tell us to stop the killings? Are you here to interrogate us?” asked one angry woman.
“If you want to be safe, just leave. We lost our brothers here. Why should we apologise? Just leave, you’re making us angry.”
It was frightening. I quickly apologised and told them I am a kind person who has also faced loss, having lost my mother in 2022. I showed them respect, which helped me get out safely.
Earlier, a barber had offered me a free haircut, but once I raised the topic of violence, he withdrew his offer and told me to leave immediately.
I left with a strong feeling that the violence in the KwaMashu hostel will never end. Even the government seems unable to stop it. The conflicts here go back to rivalries in rural areas like eShowe, Melmoth, Nquthu, and Nongoma.
During a violent period in the past, Queen Buhle kaMathe, the wife of the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, was attacked at KwaMashu’s uMbelebeleni Royal Palace. The King never returned to KwaMashu after that, and eventually, his brother, Prince Russel, took over the palace.
Even journalists have faced threats there. Journalist Gerdeon Story’s car was once set on fire.
To survive at KwaMashu Hostel, you need to understand one terrible history and its reality: everyone wants revenge; forgiveness is rare.
Pictured above: The KwaMashu notorious hostel of A section.
Image source:X
