KwaDweshula, uMzumbe | Sunday, 11 January 2026 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli attended the mass funeral of four members of the Cele family who were brutally murdered on 31 December 2025 at KwaDweshula, under the uMzumbe Local Municipality. The tragic deaths of Tholani Grace Cele, Ocelot Nicholas Cele, Lindokuhle Gloria Cele and Nondumiso Charity Cele shocked the community and drew widespread condemnation across the province.

The Premier’s presence at the funeral served as a show of solidarity with the bereaved family and the wider KwaDweshula community during a time of deep grief and trauma. Addressing mourners, Premier Ntuli described the killings as a senseless and heinous act that struck at the heart of community safety, human dignity and social cohesion.

Premier Ntuli urged residents of KwaDweshula and surrounding areas to become active partners in the fight against crime by working closely with law enforcement agencies. He called on community members to provide any information that could assist the police in fast tracking investigations and bringing those responsible to justice.

The Premier also encouraged the South African Police Service to intensify their efforts and ensure that all resources are deployed to address violent crime in the area. He reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening crime prevention strategies and restoring peace and safety in communities affected by criminal violence.

Premier Ntuli expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Cele family and assured them that the provincial government would continue to support law enforcement efforts until the perpetrators are brought to book.