Speaker, the ANC is deeply concerned and shocked about the senseless killing of eight members of the vigilante Skebhe group in the Umsinga area of northern KwaZulu-Natal. This group was formed to fight escalating crime such as stock theft. They were attacked and gunned down while tracking alleged cattle thieves.
Umsinga has become a hotbed of attacks, which have claimed the lives of many people in the past. The recent killings seem to have raised fears again. Cases of stock theft have increased and while we empathise with those who are victims of this crime, it must be borne in mind that taking the law into one's own hands has never been the solution. The spectre of revenge killings in the area has also reared its head, resulting in people abandoning their homes in fear of reprisals. The department of community safety and liaison has begun investigating and we encourage community members to assist in bringing an end to such violence. The rule of law must prevail.