‘Shooting into air’ concerns MK vets

THE Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) has expressed concern at the “alleged incidences of shootings into the air” that had apparently taken place outside the Soweto home of maWinnie MadikizelaMandela.

“As MKMVA we embrace uMama Winnie as one of our very own commanders and cadres. The military component of our liberation Struggle and the important role that uMama played as a liberation soldier of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), we are very proud of,” the MKMVA said yesterday.

However, a critical part of the training and life of any liberation soldier was discipline and respect for life. That discipline could never condone the “reckless shooting of arms into the air”, especially not in civilian and populated areas where lives could be endangered, it said.

“Such behaviour is not revolutionary and MKMVA distances all our members from it. We call on all our members to refrain from any such actions, and to report any person whom they are aware of who behaves in this ill-disciplined manner to the relevant authorities.

“MKMVA is concerned that criminal elements may be taking advantage of our deeply felt emotions – and the expression thereof with the passing on of uMama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

“We support the police investigations that have been launched into the apparent reckless incidences of shooting into the air, and those who have been responsible should be apprehended and the law should take its course.”

On Saturday, Police Minister Bheki Cele said contrary to earlier reports no body was discovered near maWinnie’s home.