The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the Eastern Cape, Zolile Williams has condemned the spate of violence currently taking place in Ingquza Hill and Port St Johns Local Municipalities.
According to a statement issued by the COGTA spokesperson, Mamkeli Ngam, the house of the Port St Johns Local Municipality mayor, Councillor Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo was recently set alight at night by unknown suspects. A week before that, Councillor Fundisile Ranai and his son were fatally shot at their home, and the attackers are still at large.
“The MEC is monitoring the trend with concern and has condemned with the strongest possible terms the unfolding violence,” said Ngam.
“The communique from Councillor Nomvuzo relating to the demands of a group of people called the Port St Johns Community Forum has been received. During the course of next week, the MEC will visit the Port St Johns Local Municipality to meet up with all the relevant stakeholders as means of finding an amicable solution.”
Ngam added that no amount of anger justifies the unruly behaviour.
“The PSJ mayor received death threats from unknown people demanding her to appoint local residents in management positions or else she must resign as a mayor.”
“The MEC wishes to see an end to the violence, which he believes can be avoided through proper communication channels as violence is no substitute to constructive engagements. He is currently in talks with the Provincial Commissioner for SAPS, Major General Nomthetheleli Mene to attend to the situation at hand.”
