KZN's traditional leaders under threat: New security measures implemented

Following an increase in the murders of traditional leaders in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in recent years, the provincial government has provided them with CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi in an apparent effort to shield them from hitmen.

In the last three years, more than 30 of Amakhosi (Chiefs) and dozens of Izinduna (headman) have been gunned down in the province, sparking widespread calls for the government to intervene on the matter.

In 2024, Ubumbano Lwezinduna's, Falendoda Malinga, told IOL's sister publication the Daily News that he hoped the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) would address the matter.

“We are hoping that the new leadership in KZN will prioritise the safety of traditional leaders, especially in KZN. We will continue to fight for the safety and well-being of our traditional leaders.”

“We have many izinduna [leaders] who have been killed in our province, but there are no convictions. We plead with police to thoroughly investigate such cases and bring the culprits to book.”

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Traditional leaders have also lamented that the killings were breaking down the structure of traditional leadership in the province.

During his State of the Province Address at Woodburn Rugby Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, Premier Thami Ntuli revealed that the government had started furnishing Chiefs' homes with wi-Fi connectivity and CCTV cameras to improve their safety.

“As part of improving the safety of Amakhosi, we have implemented the wi-Fi  connectivity and CCTV cameras were installed for 15 Amakhosi to improve their safety. About 16 Amakhosi at high risk were provided with personal protection," Ntuli said according to Scrolla.

“A total of 120 members of safety structures were trained, to promote safety in the areas of 38 Amakhosi at risk. However, we do acknowledge that more still needs to be done,” said Ntuli.

mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za

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