Update: Peace agreement to stop taxi violence?

The life of the rural community of Stulwane in Bergville – who have been affected by faction fighting that has seen the loss of many lives and the disruption of normal life – could change for the better following a groundbreaking agreement by warring factions to bury the hatchet and work for peace.

This groundbreaking agreement was entered into by four warring families – the Dubazane, Mpinga, Nyoka and Zikode families – whose differences have thrown the whole area into conflict, resulting in death and destruction.

The agreement was entered into over the weekend following a series of meetings led by the Department of Community Safety & Liaison and backed by local traditional leaders and police.

At the weekend, the Department of Community Safety & Liaison, Inkosi Menzi Hlongwane, local izinduna, Okhahlamba Local Municipality Speaker Betty Ndaba, KZNCCPA and other stakeholders were witnesses to the signing of a peace agreement to end this conflict.

An elated Hlongwane said it was important for his people to live in peace, as this would allow for development of the area.

“It is surely important that, today, parties bring about a lasting solution to this conflict. What really hurts me is that those who are at loggerheads are relatives. Those who have illegal firearms, I request that they take them to the police, as they won`t be arrested by doing so,” said Hlongwane.

The Provincial Secretary for Police, Mr Mvuseni Mnqayi, underlined the need for peaceful co-existence and general stability in communities, saying these were pre-requisites for development and progress.

“We cannot develop if we are fighting, we cannot develop if there is bloodshed. It is important that we come together and be one community so that we become one nation.

“Today, we salute Inkosi Hlonwane and everyone who is part of this committee in coming up with this long-lasting solution. After today’s programme, we will come back to do a cleansing ceremony,” said Mnqanyi.

Among others, the terms of the peace agreement commit parties who have been in conflict to respect and protect life, and to work with the SAPS and the government to fight crime.

They also committed themselves to working with one another in a peaceful and tolerant manner, and to report any criminal activity to the police.

Furthermore, the four families committed themselves to participate in all programmes to promote peaceful co-existence.

The parties also established the Stulwane Peace Committee, which will implement this peace agreement.

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