TRADITIONAL LEADERS DEMAND PROTECTION FOLLOWING ATTACK ON CHIEF KHOZA

Traditional leaders in Mpumalanga are calling for urgent police intervention and increased protection following an attack on Chief Jongilanga Khoza at his home in Kildare B Trust, Bushbuckridge.

According to Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Khoza was attacked by unknown suspects on Tuesday night, 27 October 2026.

Mokoena said two suspects allegedly entered Khoza’s house through a window before confronting him with a firearm and ordering him to lie down so they could tie him up.

“Khoza decided to fight back against the suspect who was holding the firearm, causing the magazine to fall out. Meanwhile, the other suspect was stabbing him in the back as he struggled with the first suspect,” Mokoena said.

He added that the suspects fled after realising that Khoza was resisting and refusing to surrender, despite becoming increasingly weak during the struggle.

Khoza reportedly lost consciousness due to severe blood loss and was rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. He was later transferred to another hospital for his safety, Mokoena said.

Traditional leaders fear further attacks

The incident has heightened concerns among traditional leaders, who fear they could face further attacks while the perpetrators of previous incidents remain at large.

Mokoena, who was also targeted in an attack on 9 October, has appealed to the security cluster to intervene urgently and ensure the safety of traditional leaders in the province.

During the October incident, shots were reportedly fired at Mokoena’s home, although he escaped unharmed.

“I was attacked, and the police came, took a statement and left. There is no indication that the suspects will be arrested soon. We are appealing to the police to protect us. If they want us to pay for protection, we have no choice because our lives are at stake,” Mokoena said.

He expressed concern that the continued failure to identify and apprehend the suspects had left traditional leaders feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety.

Mokoena called for decisive action from law enforcement authorities, warning that the absence of visible protection could leave traditional leaders exposed to further attacks.

Police remain tight-lipped

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said police could not comment on the attack on Khoza at this stage, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.

The attack on Mokoena’s home on 9 October also remains under investigation.

Traditional leaders are now urging law enforcement agencies to strengthen security measures and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.