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The senseless killing of IFP member Siya Dlamini in Kwazulu-Natal must be condemned in strongest terms possible. It is regrettable that the gruesome killings of both IFP and NFP members continue escalating despite continued calls for a political dialogue/ solution in that province.

It is high time that inter-political battles in Kwazulu-Natal receive the necessary attention by means of a political intervention in order to stabilise the province.

Such Political intervention must seek to educate supporters of political parties about the co-existence of political opponents and tolerance of different ideas and political persuasion.

Law enforcement agencies, especially police, must work closely with communities to ensure perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book before more blood is spilled.

Congress of the People (COPE) believes that the perpetrators are criminals and warlords who must be reigned in because we cannot afford to have residents and communities fearing for their lives in a democratic state like ours.     

COPE also notes a call by the KwaMaswu and Durban residents for a deployment of the army to raid the hostel and seize all illegal weapons allegedly used to kill.

However, we are concern that the army’s deployment is not a solution to the political unrest in that province. It is COPE’s view that the army is a specialised line of protection which may be deployed if the country’s stability and security is under a serious threat. 

Police and the community members have a huge role to play in ensuring that calm returns in the area by working together in exposing criminal elements who are masquerading as politicians.