Issued by: Ministry for Safety and Security
MEDIA RELEASE BY THE MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, MR SYDNEY MUFAMADI, AUGUST 22, 1996 - CAPE TOWN
SHOOTINGS - PIETERMARITZBURG SUPREME COURT - AUGUST 19, 1996
The conduct of two local political leaders in Pietermaritzburg, who allegedly pulled guns on each other outside the local Supreme Court on Monday 19 August 1996, smacks of a form of recklessness and lawlessness which South Africa in general and KwaZulu-Natal in particular cannot be afforded.
I must therefore compliment the Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Dr Frank Mdlalose and the leader of the ANC in that province, Mr Jacob Zuma, for summoning the two persons involved. What Dr Mdlalose and Mr Zuma will have to consider is whether the fragile peace process in KwaZulu Natal can afford to have supposedly responsible leaders who participate in such irresponsible activities.
The display of firearms at public gatherings can only heighten tensions and lead to public violence, as was once again shown by the recent events in Pietermaritzburg.
I support the instruction given by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service to have the firearms confiscated from those who allegedly displayed them recklessly outside the Court. If those who allegedly did so, including Mr Nkabinde and Mr Ntombela, have valid firearm licenses, their fitness to hold such licenses must be questioned. The investigation to be conducted by the National Commissioner will determine whether or not their licenses should be permanently withdrawn.
The shootings outside the Pietermaritzburg Supreme Court have led me to consider whether a prohibition on the carrying and display of firearms at public gatherings should not be made applicable to KwaZulu Natal and the rest of the country. At this stage, such a prohibition has been decided upon for certain areas of the Western Cape by way of a Government Notice which will appear in the Government Gazette during next week. The ongoing display of lethal weapons at public gatherings fuels a culture of lawlessness. It is clear to me that firmer steps are necessary to counter these practises.
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