The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday denied allegations by a Durban shack dwellers organisation that it orchestrated recent attacks in the Kennedy Road area.
”The continued accusations that the attack which occurred last week was orchestrated by the ANC and provincial government [are] nothing but malicious lies, as police investigations have already confirmed that last week’s attack was pure criminal activity,” ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said in a statement.
Thabani Ndlovu and Thokozani Mnguni were stabbed and beaten to death and scores injured when about 40 men carrying assegais, knobkerries and guns attacked them in the Kennedy Road settlement on September 27.
Shack dwellers organisation Abahlali Basemjondolo (ABM) claimed the ANC and the provincial government were behind the attacks.
The ANC said it was willing to meet with the group.
”The ANC leadership is also willing to have a meeting with all stakeholders who have been concerned about the situation at Kennedy Road.”
Over the years ABM had refused to meet with provincial structures, Zikalala said.
”Over the past week the [provincial minister] for safety and community liaison [in KwaZulu-Natal Willies Mchunu] has visited the Kennedy Road area on two occasions, including holding a stakeholder’s forum this past Sunday. However, Abahlali Basemjondolo were the very same people who failed to arrive at the meeting.”
The ANC called for honest engagement to find a permanent solution for the people of Kennedy Road.
During a press briefing in Durban on Wednesday the ABM stated only President Jacob Zuma could solve the problems in Kennedy Road. — Sapa