What was meant to be a moment of celebration quickly spiralled into disorder when a title deed handover event in uMzimkhulu, southern KwaZulu-Natal, descended into chaos, forcing the SAPS Public Order Police (POP) to intervene and shield Cyril Ramaphosa and senior government officials.
Tensions flared among sections of the crowd during the high-profile ceremony, prompting a swift security response as officers moved in to stabilise the situation and secure the area. Despite the disruption, the programme continued under tight protection.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli appeared visibly elated as he witnessed President Ramaphosa hand over long-awaited title deeds to beneficiaries. The event marked a significant milestone in government’s ongoing land reform drive.
The handover forms part of the Land Restitution Programme under the Restitution of Land Rights Act, restoring more than 17,000 hectares of land to four claimant groups: the Ngunjini, Ndzimankulu/Vierkant, St Paul communities, and the Lawrence family. For many, it represents a long-overdue correction of historical dispossession.
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the unrest, though initial reports suggest frustration among attendees may have contributed to the volatile scenes.
Authorities have since called for calm, reiterating the importance of orderly engagement during such critical national programmes. Investigations into the incident are expected as government pushes ahead with its land restitution agenda.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
