KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the stabbing death of his friend. This after a 25-year-old man was killed during a quarrel over the Ukhozi FM song of the new year (ingoma eyohlukanisa unyaka) contest.
The two eMpangeni friends had an argument at a local store in the evening of New Year’s Eve. One of then took out a sharp object and stabbed the other.
It is alleged that the two friends are die-hard fans of rival maskandi musicians Khuzani Mpungose and Mthandeni.
On Thursday, KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrest.
“Police in Ntambanana have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old man who was allegedly stabbed to death at Ebhokisini Area,” Netshiunda said.
Satma slams the murder
The South African Traditional Music Achievements Awards (Satma) has expressed a deep concerned about the incident.
Keletso Dlamini, spokesperson for Satma, said they are going to engage the SABC and other stakeholders around the matter.
“We appeal to all traditional music lovers to stay away from the act of violence. We have been complaining for many years that traditional music was not taken seriously. It was never part of this [Ukhozi FM New Year song contest] for years. Now that we are part of it, we start hearing news like this. It is very unfortunate,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini said no person deserves to die because of a song.
“After all, this is a game, no one is forced to participate. It comes out of love for traditional music; love is not supposed to kill anyone. Please let us spread positive news, message of love and stop swearing at each other.”
Khuzani to address ‘nation’ on controversy
The winner of Ukhozi FM’s contest for the new year song (ingoma eyohlukanisa unyaka) Khuzani Mpungose is expected to break his silence on Thursday evening.
He too was was subjected to a bout of violence at the New Year’s Eve music event in Rivhard’s Bay after his song Umjolo Lowo was announced as the winner. Missiles were thrown at him from the crowd, and the followers of Mthandeni were suspected to be behind the act.
His “Address to the Nation” will be broadcast live from his social media platforms.
