ANC Condemns Murder of Professor & Escalation of ‘Bloodbath’ in KwaZulu-Natal

The African National Congress (ANC) said in a statement Wednesday that it condemns the escalation of murders in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) again this week.

Violent crime in the province claimed the lives of two more people yesterday, while another one is fighting for his life, in separate incidents.

The ANC said as a “leader of the society”, it is “devastated” by the murder of Professor Gregory Kamwendo, who was the Dean of The Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand; and the assassination of an Abahlali baseMjondolo leader in Mariannhill, West of Durban.

Professor Kamwendo was shot dead in his vehicle on his way home on the Durford Road in Empangeni on Tuesday afternoon. He served the University from 2016, following his tenure as the Dean of the College of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

On the University’s facebook page tonight, Busisiwe Peggy Msimango said: “What’s wrong with us? Killing a man who was bringing light to the ignorant? VERY sad indeed.” Another social media user, John Samuel, said: “He was a kind man, humble and he used share his wisdom amongst everyone…”

Abahlali baseMjondolo shack dweller’s movement chairperson in eKhukhanyeni, S’fiso Ngcobo was shot yesterday several times by attackers who stormed his home and opened fire without a word, said the ANC.

The leading party said both “barbaric murders” are very concerning.

“The ANC strongly condemns the continuation of blood spill in the province. Crime fighting remains one of the ANC’s key priorities and we are pleased with the move of our government to mandate the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to fast-tract and solve all cases of murder that occurred in the province,” said the ANC.

A third man – another leader of Abahlali BaseMjondolo, Ndumiso Mnguni, is fighting for his life after allegedly being shot in Foreman Road settlement, Clare Estate.

“Whilst details surrounding his shooting are sketchy, we wish Mr. Mnguni a speedy recovery as he fights for his life in hospital,” said the ANC.

It called on the South African Police Service to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators of these “ghastly deeds” in the province.

“We are very concerned that so many citizens are being butchered but no one gets arrested. We urge communities to work hand in gloves with the police to strengthen structures such as community policing forums to step up effective collaborative anti-crime efforts in the province and on investigation every step of the way to end the horrifying incidents in the province.

“We believe that this will go a long way in ensuring that criminals have no place to hide in society and are hunted wherever they are. In this hour of need, we send our heartfelt condolences to the Ngcobo and Professor Kamwendo families, relatives and friends.”

Photo below: Professor Gregory Kamwendo a fortnight ago with top achievers in the Faculty of Arts, and UNIZULU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xoliswa Mtose.

https://www.facebook.com/unizulu/photos/pcb.2347853798561868/2347850035228911/?type=3&theater