Mandeni Induna killing draws safety concerns
Henry Vela Shandu is the third traditional leader killed in just a month after Inkosi Khumalo and his wife Undlunkulu maDlamini died following a suspected hit in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Mandeni induna Henry Vela Shandu was gunned down in cold blood last week.
Induna Shandu, who was based in Okhovothi village inland of Mandeni, was killed by unknown gunmen who had set up a meeting with him under the pretense of discussing a land dispute.
He represented the Mathonsi Mandeni Traditional Council as an induna, which is a traditional council position equivalent to being a chief’s right hand man.
Shandu is the third traditional leader killed in just a month after Inkosi Khumalo and his wife Undlunkulu maDlamini died following a suspected hit in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
It has raised worries about the safety of traditional leaders across the province.
“As a department, we are deeply saddened and concerned by these recurring incidents that continue to afflict our province, despite our ongoing efforts to combat violence directed towards our traditional leaders,” said provincial Cogta MEC, Bongi Sithole-Moloi.
Cogta (the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) has promised further interventions to prevent further violence.
“In collaboration with the community safety and liaison department and the office of the premier, we are working on a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and security within the areas of amakhosi,” she said.
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