AbaThembu’s royal house has released a statement regarding the rising crime in the Mthatha West neighbourhood, especially in the wake of Monday night’s fatal shooting close to Mthatha Airport.
Six people were killed in the shooting, including Zola “Bishop” Yolelo, the former chairperson of the Eastern Cape branch of the South African National Taxi Council, according to the police.
The national intervention unit is spearheading efforts to restore order as the police process the crime scene.
Monday night’s deadly shooting fits into a pattern of local criminal activity that has disturbed community life, including extortion schemes that target nearby businesses and schools.
According to the royal house of AbaThembu, which is led by King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, Yolelo was never acknowledged as a traditional leader or chief in Mthatha West.
Mareke’s death in 2024
King Dalindyebo claims that in 2023, the kingdom successfully contested Yolelo’s claims to leadership in the Mthatha High Court under case number 1359/2023, demonstrating that he lacked legal authority in the region.
“The court’s ruling was clear; Mr Yolelo had no legal standing as a leader, chief, or otherwise,” said Prince Zanothando Mtirara, the spokesperson for the king.
This statement is in line with the kingdom’s previous reaction to the death of Nkosi Dalinzolo Mareke, another controversial figure, who was killed along with two other people in a police shootout in September 2024.
King Dalindyebo publicly denounced Mareke as an unrecognised leader after he was linked to extortion schemes that targeted schools, including Laphumikhwezi Primary School.
At the time, the king warned that law enforcement would relentlessly pursue all criminal elements in Mthatha West, a commitment reiterated on Tuesday in the wake of Monday night’s taxi-related violence.
“We repeat our call that all individuals masquerading as chiefs or traditional leaders to enable criminal enterprises, such as extortion, must desist immediately,” Mtirara stated.
“The royal house of AbaThembu will not tolerate those who exploit our communities for personal gain.”
Pledge to root out criminality
The kingdom expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts of the SA Police Service, particularly the national intervention unit, in combating crime in the troubled region.
“The national intervention unit’s work is critical to restoring peace and safety in Mthatha West. We fully support their operations and commend their bravery in confronting armed criminals,” added Mtirara.
He further said King Dalindyebo is determined to root out criminality, with the royal house pledging continued collaboration with law enforcement.
Additionally, the royal house urged residents to cooperate with SA Police Service investigations and report any suspicious activities to help curb the violence plaguing Mthatha West.
As the community mourns the lives lost in Monday night’s shooting, the kingdom calls for unity and vigilance to reclaim the area from criminal elements.
