Protesters fearful after alleged threat of being ‘eliminated’

Lolo Madonsela

Residents of Mvuzini, Nceceni and Machanca near eMondlo said they fear for their lives, following alleged threats of being ‘eliminated’ by local councillor, Tholile Khumalo’s sons.
The threats were allegedly made subsequently to the unprotected protests which took place last Wednesday, after the MEC of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal, Bheki Ntuli postponed his visit to the area from Tuesday to Thursday.
The MEC’s visit followed the death of a taxi driver, who was washed away in the Mvuzini River on January 17.
Community members spoke to Vryheid Herald on condition of anonymity, for fear being victimised.
“We have been told there are plans by the councillor’s sons to take out all those who were leading the protest, so now we fear for our lives. We are not happy about the situation, but we cannot risk our lives and those of our children and family members by showing our identities. We will die before we see the construction of the road and the bridge and now we also fear for our lives because of these threats,” said protesters.

Also read: R33 closed due to protest action

They further claimed more than ten people died every year on the P54 road and said Government did nothing to show its concern. “Last year, we were promised bridges would be installed in April. Instead of that, more people died during heavy rainfall and we as community are still maintaining this road on our own.”
The protest affected many with learners, workers and businessmen unable to make it to their destinations due to blockading of roads by residents, with rocks and burning tyres.
Cllr Khumalo disputed the allegations, saying it was in fact she and her children who were threatened.
“I am the one who has been receiving threatening calls. I have opened a case of intimidation and another of bribery, after they tried to bribe me to leave my organisation. Unfortunately, I lost the phone which has my case number, but if you can contact SAPS they will confirm I have opened two cases.”
Cllr Khumalo alleged that at the taxi driver’s funeral, she and her children were chased away by residents.
“The taxi driver was related to us and he used to come visit us at home because we are all Khumalos, yet these people had the [audacity] to chase my children away. They are now twisting the story; they are the ones who are after me and my children. On Thursday after the MEC visited, the POP [Public Order Policing] team was deployed to patrol the area, after there were threats to burn down my house.”
She added that the situation appeared politically motivated.
“They see my efforts in trying to help my community, now they want to be councillors. I was put in this position by all political parties because they saw the work I was doing in my community, and they felt that I will do even a greater job as councillor.”

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