A grieving royal family in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has called for justice after a traditional leader and his mother were killed in a brazen attack at their home. Nkosi Mzonke Gudlulwandle Mazamisa, 52, and his mother, Nkosikazi Nojongile Eleonor Mazamisa, 70, were laid to rest on Saturday, just over two weeks after the September 4 attack. The attack has left two young boys without their father and grandmother.
The traditional leader's mother had recently lost her husband, former Nkosi Monde Mazamisa, who died in July after a 49-year stint as a traditional leader. Relatives described Mzonke as a community-focused leader who worked closely with his people. His 11-year-old son is struggling to come to terms with the loss, frequently asking why his father will not wake up. The family's plight has garnered widespread sympathy and outrage.
The attack on the Mazamisa family has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. A 50-year-old woman was also wounded in the attack, which occurred at the family's Great Place outside Willowvale. The traditional leader's sister, Lomso Mcinga, appealed directly to Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane at Saturday's funeral to ensure those responsible were arrested and brought to justice.
Premier Mabuyane has warned that gun violence is becoming increasingly prevalent in Willowvale, where three traditional leaders have been killed this year. He urged residents to help police identify criminals and remove illegal firearms from their communities. Mabuyane described the attack on the Mazamisa family as a desecration of an institution central to rural communities.
National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders deputy chair Nkosi Langa Mavuso reported that 43 traditional leaders had been killed nationally since 2024, including seven in the Eastern Cape and 33 in KwaZulu-Natal. Mavuso described traditional leaders as being "under siege." The staggering statistics have raised concerns about the safety and security of traditional leaders.
The Mazamisa family's tragedy has also highlighted the impact of such violence on families and communities. The traditional leader's sister, Nontombi, described their mother as a peace-maker who fed and prayed for the community. Nontombi called for those responsible to be arrested and jailed, saying the family would not be okay until they were brought to justice.
Contralesa provincial chair Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana has called for the Political Killings Task Team to investigate such murders. The family's pleas for justice have been echoed by the broader community, with many calling for an end to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Key points
- 43 traditional leaders have been killed nationally since 2024.
- The attack has left two young boys without their father and grandmother.
- The Eastern Cape premier has urged residents to help police identify criminals and remove illegal firearms.
