Task team to hunt Dbn killers
2009-09-28 19:03
Johannesburg - A task team will "hunt down" those responsible for two deaths at the Kennedy Road informal settlement in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Community Safety MEC Willies Mchunu said on Monday.
The two people were fatally assaulted and stabbed, and scores were injured when 40 men carrying assegais, knobkerries, spears and guns struck on Saturday night, Mchunu said.
They attacked the settlement during a youth camp held by the Abahlali baseMjondolo movement - which brings together shack dwellers in several provinces. Eight people were arrested over the incident.
The movement later accused the police of knowing about the attack in advance, and doing nothing about it - a charge the police denied.
Illegal curfew
Mchunu, other government officials and community leaders resolved to take immediate action during a visit to the area on Monday.
They resolved that an "illegal curfew" on residents be lifted. It had forced them to stop watching television, walking or cooking after 19:00.
They also decided to hunt down the killers and place the settlement under 24-hour policing.
Residents want the lighting in the area to be improved and bushes and plantations removed.
"We condemn the killing of our people. It is absurd for anyone to impose an illegal curfew on residents," Mchunu said in a statement.
"Criminals, who are holding the Kennedy Road residents' hostage, must be arrested without delay."
Through dialogue, he said, all challenges would be addressed.
- SAPA
