ANC MPL chief killed ‘over land’
A “SALE” of prime land in Cato Ridge was suspected to have been the reason behind the assassination of the former ANC member of the provincial legislature (MPL) and regent chief Zibuse Mlaba on Thursday.
Mlaba, 66, was shot several times by two assailants just outside his offices in Cato Ridge where he was involved in land redistribution for the community of the Ximba Tribal Authority.
Mlaba, who served as an ANC MPL for almost 20 years, was regent chief for the Ximba Tribal Authority from 1989 to 2007 while his nephew, Simangaye Mlaba, a reigning chief, was too young to take over.
He spearheaded the development for the area and brought stability during political killings between IFP and ANC.
Mlaba was praised as a peacemaker and one of the few traditional leaders to reveal his political affiliation during political violence.
While police were still investigating his killing, speculations were rife that Mlaba’s assassination could be linked to the chieftaincy.
However, Chief Simangaye denied the speculations.
He laid bare the family feud which began when he took over the throne.
The Cato Ridge area, which belongs to the Ximba Tribal Authority, is a developed rural area with booming industrial zones along the N3.
It has assisted the locals with job opportunities while the traditional authority collects revenue through lease agreements. While Mlaba was no longer a chief, Chief Simangaye said he was involved in leasing and redistribution of land plots along the N3 in Cato Ridge where he had an office.
A source within the family said Mlaba had sold plots of land to various people for residential use.
The plots in question had already been marked while others were graded in preparation for building homes.
According to the locals, the issue over the land was mired in controversy as some believed it was meant to benefit families who were removed during apartheid.
While chief Simangaye admitted that there were family squabbles between him and Mlaba, he maintained that he had nothing to do with his assassination.
He lauded Mlaba for bringing stability in the area during tough times using his political influence to bring development: “I am disturbed by the accusations levelled against me. This has caused tension and I’m worried for my safety.
“I could not even visit my uncle’s home to send my condolences to his children and wife because I’m seen as a perpetrator.
“I would have loved to pay my last respect for what he did for this community and attend his funeral service but I’m not able to meet with the rest of the family,” said Mlaba.
Condolences poured in from political parties while senior politicians visited Mlaba’s family throughout the week.
Mlaba’s daughter, Mandisa, described her father as a leader who dedicated his life to uplifting the community.
She was struggling to come to terms with the incident, adding that Mlaba was a pensioner who had no enemies.
“He survived many attempts when he was still active in politics and a regent chief. He was chairing a land redistribution programme that was meant to benefit families who were removed from Cato Ridge to the deep rural areas during apartheid.
“He played a role in bringing investors in this area, ensuring people had basic services in this area. He loved his family and community; he was a father to us but we shared him with the community,” she said.
The family was still preparing for his funeral which will take place later this week.
Mlaba is survived by 13 children and his wife, Sindi.