Call for calm in Inchanga

THE police will leave nothing to chance to ensure peace during separate funeral proceedings for the slain SACP and ANC members in Inchanga on Sunday.

Nontsikelelo Blose and Xolani Ngcobo were shot on Sunday and Monday respectively as the ongoing tensions between the alliance partners reached a new pitch.

The trouble, say locals, started last year when James Nxumalo, an SACP provincial leader was ousted as the eThekwini ANC regional leader by Zandile Gumede, who has also subsequently replaced him as mayor.

Two SACP members were killed during a party community meeting at a local sports ground in January.

Blose is said to have witnessed the killings, and would have testified in the case in court today.

Community Safety and Liaison spokesman, Kwanele Ncalane, said leaders from both parties, MEC Mxolisi Kaunda and the police met yes- terday to discuss the Inchanga crisis.

“The meeting resolved to closely monitor the night vigils and funeral proceedings on the day. There will be tight security with visible policing,” said Ncalane.

He said the MEC appealed to the community not to use the night vigils to incite violence.

Kaunda said: “It is our intention that by next week Thursday we should be able to announce a peace committee that is going to facilitate peace negotiations in Inchanga.

“The police will remain in the area and will conduct random operations. We appeal to the people of Inchanga to co-operate with the police and allow them space to do their work.”

A joint memorial service planned for yesterday had to be cancelled after the families told the Daily News that if they were brought into the same space “hell would break loose”.

Matthews Ndlovu, first deputy provincial secretary of the SACP, said Blose’s funeral service would be held at Nodlini Hall in the area.