“As a mayor, I support Msholozi”: eThekwini Mayor clears the air on inciting violence claims levelled against him
By Mcebo Makhaye
The mayor of eThekwini councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has rubbished widespread claims levelled against him of inciting violence, prior to current violent protests and shops looting.
Addressing community leaders on Wednesday, the mayor said he had heard rumours that he incited the ongoing public looting violence, but he labelled them as untrue.
“As a mayor and a member of the community, I want to be clear that I do support Msholozi (former president, Jacob Zuma). However, supporting Zuma does not mean I incite violence and there is no such that I incite violence,” said the mayor.
Kaunda said everyone has a constitutional right to express his/her views on a particular matter.
“When I write on my personal Facebook page, saying I support President Zuma and Msholozi is us and we are Msholozi (release Msholozi). Is there anything wrong on that and why would I be ashamed?” Kaunda questioned.
“I can’t be neutral, if you are forcing me to be neutral, I rather leave the city of being a mayor. Even judges are not neutral, but I can’t be neural,” the mayor reiterated.
Here’s the link of the video of Kaunda:
He went on by urging people who persist to make a call to release Zuma, saying they must respect the laws of the country.
Kaunda added that community leaders from Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu and surrounding areas should reject violence and racism and work together to stabilise communities.
This comes after there have been violent protests throughout KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with cars being stoned, vehicles being torched, tyres being burned on the ground and shops being looted.
Violent riots that have engulfed the eThekwini Municipality has resulted in the loss of lives, and much property damage. More than 20 people have died, and scores have been injured, News24 reported.
In addition, Kaunda said communities should refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to work with law enforcement.
Compiled by Mcebo Makhaye.
