MBUMBULU — The family home of controversial activist Ngizwe Mchunu was reduced to ashes on Sunday after unknown attackers allegedly set fire to the property while searching for him in Mbumbulu, south of Durban.
The blaze destroyed the main house and several traditional rondavels belonging to the Mchunu family. Children who were inside the homestead at the time survived the terrifying incident unharmed.
Residents said the attackers moved through the village under the Cele Tribal Authority looking for Mchunu before setting the property alight. Mchunu, leader of the March and March movement, is known for his outspoken views against illegal immigration — a position that has reportedly made him many enemies.
His son, Sbani Mchunu, described the attack as a declaration of war against the family.“The people who burnt our home are calling for war,” he said. The incident marks the second violent attack against a March and March leader in less than two weeks.
Recently, attackers vandalised the Mzimkhulu home of fellow activist Felemntwnini Gumede while searching for him. His children also escaped unharmed during that incident.Another movement leader, Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba, said members of the organisation are now living in fear.
“It is clear that we are under siege,” Ndabandaba said. He insisted that the group’s campaign against illegal immigration is peaceful and accused some community members of protecting undocumented foreign nationals by renting business premises to them.
KwaZulu-Natal police have opened a case of arson and investigations are ongoing. No arrests had been made by Monday morning.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
