Of all the issues to emerge this week from the Moerane commission into political violence in KwaZulu-Natal, the most worrying is how easy it seems to be to hire a hitman. The attempted killing two weeks ago of former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa in Umzimkhulu, attacks elsewhere in KwaZulu-Natal and murders in the Eastern Cape share a connection, even though they took place hundreds of kilometres apart: all were commissioned from a hostel in Umlazi, Durban.
Advocate Marumo Moerane, who chairs the commission, heard that about 90 killings had been linked to the Glebelands Hostel. It is also possible that hostel hitmen have been hired to carry out murders in Gauteng. "Anyone who wants someone taken out, Glebelands is the place to go," activist Vanessa Burger told the commission.
It is now apparent that an entire paid-assassin industry has developed — one that is spreading its tentacles into the realms of political rivalry and taxi violence.
In total, 89 deaths over the past three years could be linked to the hostel, Burger said. This shocking number does not factor in those who bear the scars of near-misses. Cash is handed over, and blood is spilt.
While the violence and loss of life are deeply concerning, equally disturbing is the lack of arrests and prosecutions. The commission heard, under oath, that not one person has been convicted in connection with the attacks.
Two decades into democracy, this is alarming.
In a society that is meant to be one of peace and stability, to have nearly 90 people killed and virtually nobody brought to book is unacceptable.
The culture of impunity in which hitmen can casually be hired, with no fear of punishment, needs to be urgently dealt with — especially when, according to testimony, police are allegedly involved in, or at least turn a blind eye to, the violence that emanates from Glebelands. The Moerane commission must be praised for its work so far, but what is really needed is better, more effective and uncompromised policing and investigating. Until that happens and killers are thrown in jail, this crisis will continue.
