COGTA MEC Zolile Williams has voiced deepest outrage following the killing of chief Mtikrakra, alongside reports of six students who were raped at Mqhekezweni village.
In a powerful statement, MEC Williams condemned these brutal acts as an assault not only on the victims but on the very fabric of the community. “The scourge of violence has enveloped the Eastern Cape to levels that have never been experienced before,” he lamented. He emphasized that attacks on Traditional Leaders threaten the state itself, as these individuals play a vital role in upholding cultural and social structures.
MEC Williams urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to “leave no stone unturned” in their pursuit of justice for these heinous acts. He expressed heartbreak at the nature of these crimes, particularly against young girls, stating, “Enough is enough. This violence must come to an end.”
The Mtikrakra family holds a symbolic connection to the Mandela lineage, with deep roots in Mqhekezweni, where former president Nelson Mandela was raised. It is disheartening, Williams noted, that those responsible could exhibit such a grave lack of respect, even targeting a female leader of royal descent. Police investigations are underway, and police are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
