Latest news with #Inkosi
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Albert Luthuli's reinstatement as Inkosi of Umvoti Mission Reserve on the agenda in KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
A reopened inquest into Inkosi Albert Luthuli's death on July 21, 1967, is being held at the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Luthuli's reinstatement as Inkosi of Umvoti Mission Reserve could be discussed at the next sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. Image: Independent Media Archives Inkosi Albert Luthuli's reinstatement as Inkosi of Umvoti Mission Reserve could be discussed at the next sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. A request from the Luthuli family for his reinstatement was tabled at the legislature by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, on Thursday. Chief Luthuli, Nelson Mandela, and other ANC leaders planned many actions, notably the Defiance Campaign of 1952, to demonstrate their opposition to apartheid legislation in existence at the time. He was deemed a terrorist by the then-government, and his appointment as chief was terminated. After losing his title, he was subjected to a series of banning orders, which eventually limited his movements to Groutville, where he could only be in the company of one person at a time, except his immediate family members. Despite the revocation of his title by the then-government, he was nevertheless referred to as Chief Luthuli by local and foreign populations alike. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) re-opened the inquests into the deaths of Luthuli and Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge. It was revealed in the original 1967 inquest that Luthuli walked on the Mvoti River railway bridge and was hit by an oncoming train moving at a speed of 40 km/h. However, recent testimonies before the Pietermaritzburg High Court from a hospital staff member and people known to Luthuli painted a different picture. Duma said that testimony given at an investigation into Luthuli's death revealed that he was assassinated by the apartheid government. Testimonies given in court indicate that Luthuli was physically assaulted and died of his injuries in Stanger Hospital. Still alive and semi-conscious, he was transported to the hospital with bruises on his arms and hands, a broken rib, and a gash on the back of his head. The court also heard that an eyewitness was allegedly taken away by police a few days later to an unidentified police station to state what he saw, but he disappeared, and his family never saw him again. "They feared him and worried about his influence. They described Luthuli as a terrorist and revoked his appointment as Inkosi. I also salute President Cyril Ramaphosa for his bold leadership and determination to ensure that the Luthuli family and the people of this country know the truth. I welcome the dedication and efficiency displayed by the National Prosecuting Authority in terms of exposing the perpetrators of this gruesome act," Duma said. Luthuli was born in 1898. He rose to prominence in 1937, when the then-Department of Native Affairs nominated him as Chief of the Zulu people in Groutville. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), ultimately becoming its president general. In 1960, Chief Luthuli received the renowned Nobel Peace Prize. He continued to fight for equal rights for all races in South Africa through speeches and writings until his tragic death on July 21, 1967. In 1981, Mxenge was returning home from his legal office in the Durban central business district when he was kidnapped, brutally murdered, and his body found on a sports field in Umlazi, south of Durban. Both inquests are under way in the Pietermaritzburg High Court. [email protected]
The South African
13-05-2025
- The South African
SAPS crackdown yields results as over 224 rape suspects arrested
Scores of Gender Based Violence and Femicide suspects have been arrested nationwide, in the last eight days. This is according to the national spokesperson of the South African Police Service, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. The rape and sexual violence statistics form a weekly update on the success of Operation Shanela nationally. 'Amongst those arrested on allegations of rape from 05 May – 11 May 2025, are a SAPS trainer and an Inkosi from KwaZulu Natal', said Mathe. Mathe believes the chief's arrest is a reflection of SAPS's commitment to preventing and combating rape and sexual violence cases. She said even positions of prominence do not protect perpetrators from the long arm of the law. On 12 May 2025, a 54-year-old chief from KwaBhidla, located in the south coast of KwaZulu- Natal, appeared before the Hlanganani Magistrate's Court. He stands accused of rapingan 18-year-old girl from his village. On 5 May 2025, the teenager opened a case of rape against the chief at the local police station. The chief was accosted and taken in for questioning. He has been behind bars for the last eight days. His arrest forms part of the 224 suspects arrested on charges of rape and sexual violence across the country in the last eight days. While the accused was allegedly sexually assaulting the teenager, police were embarking on a nationwide Operation Shanela, which resulted in the swift arrest of the chief. 'The suspect gave the young woman a lift from the eGqumeni area, only to allegedly refuse to drop her off', said police minister, Senzo Mchunu. Mchunu said the chief drove the girl to a remote and isolated bushy area where he allegedly raped her. The accused chief made his first court appearance on Friday, 9 May 2025. Mchunu remained adamant that the chief should be denied bail. 'This vile act allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority is a betrayal of the moral, ethical, and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders. It flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society', said Mchunu. Minister Mchunu believes the chief premeditated the rape of the girl. He said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs continually teaches local chiefs how they should behave and about the role they play in society. 'When engaging with my counterpart in Cogta, it has been around the role that traditional leaders need to play on various social ills and around their security concerns. We have never thought that we now have to engage on their involvement in the act of rape', he said. NPO in support of women and children's rights, LifeLine and Rape Crisis, has called for justice to be served. They condemned the actions of the chief and also called for his bail to be denied. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
11-05-2025
- The South African
Mchunu condemns KZN Inkosi for alleged rape of teen girl
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has condemned the alleged rape of an 18-year-old young woman by a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area. The incident reportedly happened on 4 May 2025. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the accused in this case, reports indicate that the suspect gave the young woman a lift from the eGqumeni area, only to allegedly refuse to drop her off, instead driving her to a remote and isolated bushy area where he is accused of raping her. Netshiunda said following his first appearance in the Hlanganani Magistrate's Court on Friday, the suspect was remanded in custody until Monday, 12 May, when he is expected to make a formal bail application. In condemning this act, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu said this vile act—allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority—is a betrayal of the moral, ethical, and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders; it flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society. Mchunu said it is clear that the Inkosi premeditated this and clearly executed his plan using his car. 'All along and up to now, when engaging with my counterpart in CoGTA, it has been around the role that traditional leaders need to play on various social ills and around their security concerns, but we have never thought that we now have to engage on their involvement in the act of rape. 'We commend the South African Police Service for acting swiftly and professionally in response to this incident. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victim and her family during this painful time. We trust and will ensure that the justice system treats the victim with dignity, that her voice is heard, and that this matter is pursued with the urgency and weight it deserves. No individual—regardless of their title, position, or social standing—should ever be allowed to act with impunity, especially in matters as grave as Gender-Based Violence,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
11-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Mchunu calls for better oversight of traditional leaders after teen allegedly raped by KZN chief
CAPE TOWN - Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has called for better oversight of traditional leaders following the alleged rape of an 18-year-old by a KwaZulu-Natal chief. The teen was allegedly assaulted by a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area a week ago. The accused reportedly gave the teen a lift but refused to drop her off and drove to an isolated area, where he allegedly raped her. The chief made his first court appearance on Friday and was remanded in custody. He is expected to make a formal bail application on Monday. The spokesperson for the ministry of police, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said Mchunu has condemned the incident. 'In condemning this act, the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, expressed the following: This vile act, allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority, is a betrayal of the moral, ethical, and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders; it flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society.'
IOL News
11-05-2025
- IOL News
Police Minister denounces shocking rape case involving Inkosi in KwaZulu-Natal
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said they are standing in solidarity with the victim and her family. Image: GCIS The Police Ministry has expressed its shock and disdain after an 18-year-old was allegedly raped in KwaZulu-Natal. The rape took place on May 4, and the accused in the matter is a 54-year-old Inkosi of the KwaBhidla area. An Inkosi is a chief or chieftain. According to police, the suspect gave the young woman a lift from the eGqumeni area, but he allegedly refused to drop her off, instead, he drove her to a remote and isolated bush area where he allegedly raped her. The suspect made a brief appearance in the Hlanganani Magistrate's Court on Friday, May 9. National Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu condemned the rape. 'This vile act, allegedly committed by someone who holds a position of leadership and authority—is a betrayal of the moral, ethical, and societal responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders; it flies in the face of the values we seek to uphold in a just, safe, and respectful society,' Mchunu said. He said it remains unclear whether the Inkosi premeditated this and executed his plan using his vehicle.
