The official response by Alfred Duma Municipality to the cutting off of large areas of the town’s water supply:

This e-mail serves to confirm that the Alfred Duma Municipality has received a copy of the letter written by the alleged community members of Mbizeni.

“However, concerning the issues raised on the matter, I wish to confirm that there are various issues raised on the letter ranging from an ongoing taxi war between two families, shooting incidents involving mayoral bodyguards, a death within the Gamede family alleged to have been committed by the mayor’s sons, closure of a water treatment plant, non-participation in the local government elections which took place by the Gamede clan, engagements involving the mayor with one of the Gamede elders, meetings between the mayor and the Gamede family which have not materialised, a rape incident, protest action, and the ANC is also involved in the matter,” explains Municipal Communication Manager S Maphalala.

Based on the sensitivity of all the issues, as the Alfred Duma Municipality, we would firstly convey our appreciation for the submission.

Secondly, I would like to confirm that internally we form part, as Council, in the call to instil and inculcate the culture of community safety and curb the ongoing taxi-related war that has resulted in many family members losing their lives within and outside the Gamede and Mabaso families.

Thirdly, we do not promote the disturbance of service provision with reference to the closure of the water treatment plant. We appeal for those involved to retreat and allow the workers to access the plant and deliver water to the community as expected.

Lastly, on issues involving the Madlala and Gamede families, I believe that collectively the Security Cluster will deal with the allegations mentioned in the letter and interventions will be developed to resolve the ongoing tension between the families concerned.

In conclusion, I believe there will be a swift response and resolution to the matter without any further bloodshed and shooting incidents.

The mayor remains out of town and will meet with the relevant stakeholders in response to the allegations made towards him, his sons and bodyguards (if he is required to provide clarity on those issues by accredited safety and security officials) and will present himself in properly constituted meetings governed by safety and security protocol aimed at resolving disputes.

As Council, we have a responsibility to uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen or group, therefore we appeal that all departments, stakeholders and individuals involved in the matter treat this matter seriously and urgently.

As the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, we further request that the uThukela District Municipality, as the recipients of the original letter, confirm who is the contact person representing this community and to ensure that in future the letter is signed by the respective community representatives for the purpose of consultation and co-ordination of meetings.

At this stage, the letter has no contact number or community representative whom we can liaise with.

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