The gloves are off in KwaZulu-Natal as former president Jacob Zuma and his newly formed uMkontho weSizwe Party (MKP) wage an all-out war against the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and the ANC following the results of the 2024 general elections.
With tensions escalating and former President Jacob Zuma's provocative statements echoing through the province, both the police and residents are bracing themselves for what could be a second wave of unrest, ominously dubbed "July Unrest 2.0."
Following the announcement of the election results by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Zuma, the leader of the uMkontho weSizwe Party, vehemently urged the commission not to declare the outcome. Two reliable Crime Intelligence sources have confirmed to Celeb Gossip News that the police have taken swift action, deploying officers to perceived hotspot areas in KwaZulu-Natal since Sunday evening.
The former president's inflammatory rhetoric has sent shockwaves through the province, with police and residents frantically preparing for a potential repeat of the deadly July 2021 unrest that claimed over 350 lives.
"We have a bigger right than anybody else to demand that, it is us who are citizens. Institutions can't say: 'We can't listen to you and let us rush rush' because that is provoking people in reality," Zuma thundered, his voice dripping with menace.
Despite the IEC ultimately declaring the elections free and fair on Sunday, the MKP emerged as the leading party in KZN, securing a stunning 45% of the provincial vote – more than double the ANC's dismal 18% showing. This seismic shift in the political landscape has left the ruling party reeling, with insiders admitting that the party's "perceived arrogance and failure to listen to concerns" in the province has come back to haunt them.
"The win for Zuma's party comes after a myriad of failures and perceived arrogance from ANC politicians within provincial and national structures, who have been accused of failing to listen to concerns in KwaZulu-Natal," one News24 source revealed.
With tensions reaching fever pitch, police have wasted no time in deploying scores of officers from the Public Order Police unit and Tactical Response Team to perceived "hotspot" areas across the province. Two highly placed Crime Intelligence sources told Celeb Gossip News that the deployment began as early as 5pm on Sunday evening, with officers tasked with preventing any potential outbreaks of civil unrest.
"We know what happened before, and we are working ahead of time and at speed now to ensure that we are not caught lacking," one insider confided.
While no incidents have been reported thus far, the tension in the air is palpable. Zuma's party, the uMkontho weSizwe Party, has emerged as the leading political force in KwaZulu-Natal, securing a staggering 45% of the vote, more than double the ANC's 18%. This victory comes as a blow to the ANC, whose politicians have faced criticism for their failure to address the concerns of KwaZulu-Natal residents.
To avoid a repeat of such devastating consequences, security forces are actively monitoring potential flashpoints. A source familiar with police deployments in the province shared exclusive insights with Celeb Gossip News. "We have been out and about overnight, from as early as about 17:00 in the Cato Ridge area, near Pietermaritzburg," the insider revealed. While specific operational details remain confidential, the source assured that the authorities are meticulously prepared to handle any escalation. "We know what happened before, and we are working ahead of time and at speed now to ensure that we are not caught lacking," they emphasized.
Roads connecting Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal have remained clear as of Monday morning, indicating a proactive effort to maintain stability. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed there have been no reports of road blockades or unrest since Sunday evening, instilling a degree of reassurance among the populace.
Community organizations, such as the KwaMashu Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), have also rallied their members to remain vigilant. Xolo Hlatshwayo, chairperson of the KwaMashu CPF, expressed concerns about a potential resurgence of unrest, stating, "We cannot go back there. Our people lost a lot during that time." Hlatshwayo highlighted the financial burden placed on the community due to the destruction of the Bridge City Mall and the subsequent need to travel far for essential services.
Nazir Sadack, spokesperson for CERT in the North of eThekwini, echoed the sentiment of preparedness, urging calm while maintaining a watchful eye. "We do not want to panic. There are, however, precautionary measures in place. We don't want to get caught out like we did in 2021," Sadack emphasized. Reports of gatherings have surfaced, but their connection to the recent election results remains unclear. Both community leaders and law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring these situations.
As KwaZulu-Natal braces itself for what lies ahead, the nation anxiously watches the unfolding events. Will the province succumb to another bout of violence and destruction, or will the authorities' swift and proactive response be successful in maintaining peace? Only time will tell. Celeb Gossip News will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates on this developing story as events unfold.
