Moerane Commission: Mchunu traces killings to pre-1994 era

Moerane Commission: Mchunu traces killings to pre-1994 era

Former KZN Premier, Senzo Mchunu, has told the Moerane Commission of Inquiry that the apartheid regime strategically made sure political killings continued in KZN.

Senzo Mchunu testifies at Moerane Commission
Steve Bhengu


He is giving testimony at the Commission in his personal capacity. 

"Towards the end of the 80s and beyond the unbanning of the previously banned political organisations - including the ANC - the state exacerbated and fully exploited differences between the UDF, Cosatu alliance and the IFP. They were fully conscious of the existence of these political formations in KZN," he says. 

Mchunu's told the commission the late 80s in particular marked one of the most intense periods for KZN with regards to political killings. 

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He says KZN was the only province in South Africa to receive over seven tons of arms and ammunition pumped in by the apartheid government regime to aid killings in townships.

Mchunu says there needs to be dialogue sessions to help ensure peace going forward.

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He has also told the commission both IFP leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the ANC could have helped prevent years of political bloodshed in the province. 

"Perhaps it could be him admitting that he abandoned, at some stage, the revolutionary liberation movement for various reasons and maybe he could have stayed within the liberation movement. Also, by the ANC admitting that perhaps more discussion, more understanding, more communication and more interaction would have worked better," he says.


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