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The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal calls on the Provincial Police Commissioner,
Lieutenant General Mammonye Ngobeni, to ensure that serious claims levelled
against uMlazi police officers who are accused of colluding with criminals
involved in the killing of members of the uBunye Bamahostela organisation in
Glebelands Hostel, are identified and prosecuted.

"Police officers are the custodians of law and order. They are there to
protect members of the community in a fair and just manner. Police officers
accused of being involved in any criminal activities must be prosecuted to
the might full of law. We cannot allow the SAPS to become a nest of
criminals thereby losing the confidence of the community. One wonders why
uMlazi police officers are not arresting the criminals because it is alleged
that they know the perpetrators. Are they being paid for not arresting those
involved?" said IFP Leader in the KwaZulu Natal Legislature, Mr Blessed
Gwala, MPL.

"We demand that the Provincial Commissioner must also ensure that the death
of Mr Zinakile Fica, who was allegedly beaten up by police at Isipingo
Police Station, be investigated and if police are found to be involved they
be identified and prosecuted. We are also concerned about an apparent
tendency of police not vigorously investigating and arresting people, as it
is happening in the KwaMashu Hostel where an IFP councillor Themba Xulu was
killed but until today we have not heard anything about arrests of those
involved," continued Mr Gwala.

"In view of these shortcomings we are of the view that the Independent
Police Investigating Directorate must speed up its investigation into the
death of Mr Zinakile Fica and other cases. We also call on the MEC of
Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, to strengthen operations at
the hostels and ensure the safety of innocent citizens," concluded Mr Gwala.

Issued by IFP