Deadly land Dispute in KwaZulu-Natal: How police and traditional leaders are trying to restore peace in Mtubatuba

Tensions in northern KwaZulu-Natal have escalated into a deadly confrontation over traditional land in the Dukuduku area, prompting provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to intervene. The recent violence has left five izinduna dead and raised fears of further unrest between the abaKhwanazi and Ncube clans.

The conflict reportedly stems from disputes over control of Dukuduku, a mineral-rich region that also borders the internationally renowned iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The friction intensified following claims that King Misuzulu kaZwelithini appointed businessman Mandla Qiniso Ncube as an overseer of part of the area. The abaKhwanazi maintain that the land traditionally falls under their chieftaincy and oppose any external leadership.

In early November, members of the abaKhwanazi clan staged protests, including blockading the N2 highway in Mtubatuba, to express their discontent. The demonstrations disrupted traffic and heightened tensions in the region, prompting warnings from both the king’s royal household and local authorities. Prince Thulani Zulu, spokesperson for the Zulu royal family, urged the community to refrain from insults and threats against the monarchy.

Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi, originally from the area, visited Mpukunyoni village earlier this month to meet with Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi, the abaKhwanazi head, and other traditional leaders. According to KZN police spokesperson Col. Robert Netshiunda, the purpose of the meeting was to address the underlying causes of the protests and remind the community that road blockades and acts of violence are criminal offenses.

“The provincial commissioner emphasized that law enforcement is obligated to act when public safety is threatened,” Col. Netshiunda said. “Police will not stand by while communities are living in fear. No form of violence will be tolerated.”

In addition to de-escalating tensions, the police committed to investigating the murders of five izinduna in the region, though authorities clarified that these deaths are separate from the land dispute. To foster dialogue and clarity, the commissioner proposed a community imbizo, or gathering, where government officials, traditional leadership representatives, and land affairs authorities can discuss the legal status of Dukuduku and address community grievances.

The imbizo, scheduled for Sunday at the KwaNdonyana Sports Field, will include MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi, House of Traditional Leaders chairperson Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, and other officials. Buthelezi emphasized that the king does not have the authority to unilaterally appoint an Inkosi or chief outside the legal processes established by the government.

“There is no overseer appointed by the king in this matter,” Buthelezi stated. “Inkosi Mkhwanazi remains the recognised leader for Dukuduku. Any claims to the contrary are not legally valid.”

Community members gathered in significant numbers despite adverse weather conditions, reflecting the importance of the dispute to local residents. Authorities hope that the imbizo will provide a constructive platform to prevent further conflict, clarify traditional leadership roles, and restore peace in the area.

Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi reiterated that resolving disputes through dialogue and lawful channels is crucial to preventing bloodshed. “Violence will only escalate problems. Communities must use the proper avenues to challenge decisions they disagree with,” he said.

As the investigation into the izinduna killings and the ongoing land dispute continues, authorities maintain that public safety remains their top priority while encouraging open and peaceful communication between the clans.

FAQ

1. What sparked the recent violence in Mtubatuba?
The unrest is linked to a dispute between the abaKhwanazi and Ncube clans over traditional leadership of Dukuduku.

2. How many people have died amid the conflict?
Five izinduna have reportedly been killed in separate incidents unrelated to the land dispute.

3. Who is Mandla Qiniso Ncube?
He is a businessman alleged by some community members to have been appointed by King Misuzulu as an overseer in Dukuduku.

4. What is a community imbizo?
An imbizo is a traditional gathering where leaders and government officials meet with the community to discuss and resolve disputes.

5. Who is the recognised leader of Dukuduku?
Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi remains the officially recognised leader under current legal processes.