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The Democratic Alliance (DA) extends its condolences to the families and loved ones of izinduna who have been murdered in the province. The alleged assassination of at least 25 izinduna’s in the past 2 years is of deep concern to the DA.

SAPS must prioritise these murders and work tirelessly to resolve the cases. Arrests need to be made and criminal charges must result in convictions for the perpetrators. While the DA regards any unnatural death as one death too many, Izinduna provide valuable services to their communities and these murders must be regarded as acts of treachery.

Furthermore, many of these izinduna are located in rural areas and, once again, the issue of rural safety is brought into the spotlight. A determined, multi-faceted approach to this ongoing problem needs to be prioritised so that all rural communities can be given the protection they deserve.

We call on the Premier to urgently set up a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged assassinations. The investigation needs to focus on the actions of SAPS and arrests, the causes of the violence, and what can be done to address the problems which lead to these heinous acts. The Premier must also report to the Premier Portfolio Committee and provide ongoing feedback to this legislative body.

The DA respects the role and importance of Traditional Authorities, and any assault on this institution needs to be prioritised and treated as an assault on the communities they represent.

Issued by The DA