Deadlock on land dispute

AN attempt by the Somopho Traditional Authority last week to resolve a land dispute between the Mathe family and local iNkosi Shilo Mthembu did not yield positive results, as both parties failed to reach an amicable agreement.

Last Wednesday’s meeting held at the Traditional Court and attended by members of the community, Mathe family, Izinduna, police and City of uMhlathuze deputy mayor Cllr Dudu Sibiya, could not provide clear direction on a way forward.

Speaking on behalf of the Mathe family, Nhlanhla Mathe accused iNkosi Mthembu of taking their land without consulting them.

‘We understand that he invested a lot of money cultivating sugar cane and erecting fencing. After discovering that he had taken our land, we approached him and tried to pursue negotiation but he refused to listen to us.

‘We then decided to destroy the fence and to poison a small portion of his sugar cane plantation to express our anger. Instead of addressing us, he brought his gang to beat us. So, today we wanted to know how he was going to remedy the situation,’ said Mathe.

The family representative accused iNkosi Mthembu of dividing his family.

‘We find it strange that a community leader could employ such tactics. What we need is our land back,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Somopho Traditional Authority, iNduna Msawenkosi Manyoni said he believed the matter would be resolved soon.

‘As Council, we are working hard to convince iNkosi to hand over the land back to the Mathe family without any condition because it is clear they need their land back,’ said Manyoni.

iNkosi Mthembu was reluctant to comment on the matter.

He, however, was visibly unhappy at the meeting and was reportedly hoping that the Mathe family would wait until his sugar cane crop was ready for harvest.

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