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MEC Kaunda puts tough measures to end killings in Weenen

Following the intervention by the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, in Weenen near Estcourt last week, police are making strides in ridding the area of illegal firearms.

The area has been affected by faction fights between Nhlawe and KwaMadondo communities which have claimed the lives of 39 people since last year.

Today, Kaunda met with the warring factions to find a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict which also threatens investment in the small town. Before the meeting, Kaunda was briefed by the police management on the progress they are making in implementing the plan they developed last week Friday which entails increasing police visibility and law enforcement operations.

“Following our meeting, police conducted operations on Saturday where they recovered four firearms which include an AK 47, 303, 2.2 rifles and a 38 revolver. Police also recovered 120 rounds of ammunition,” said Kaunda.

He lauded the police for their sterling work and urged them to intensify operations to rid the area of illegal firearms which are the main source of the conflict.

Both parties committed themselves to the peace process which will be facilitated by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison and Inkosi Siphamandla Mthembu.

“We also agreed to form a five-aside peace committee which will begin its work next week. The committee, working with Inkosi will be instrumental in bringing together the ring leaders of the conflict and facilitate the signing of the peace agreement between the two parties,” said Kaunda.

He said that while negotiations are underway to bring peace and stability in the area, police will be hard at work with investigations to bring perpetrators of crime to book.

“We want to send a clear message that those who commit crime in this province will face the full might of the law. I also want to warn those who will attack the police while executing their task that our police officers will defend themselves,” said Kaunda.

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