Author: Nebandla, Injobo
Title: Confronting the Legacy of Weapons in Richmond, Kwazulu-Natal
Summary: This investigation into the weapons recovery process in Richmond finds the tensions that fuelled the conflict between the ANC and IFP in the area during the 1990s still hold peacebuilding in the balance. Contemporary violence has to be understood within the area's history of armed conflict. A key aspect of the research has entailed understanding the extent to which weapons were distributed and played a role in the conflict as well as tracking what happened to these weapons. The report also focuses on the demobilisation and demilitarisation processes directly after 1994 and looks at reasons why these processes failed to disarm and demobilise the Richmond community. New antagonists have taken up arms since the easing of tension between the ANC and IFP. Conflict flared up again between factions within Self Defence Unit structures, and no-go areas were re-created as defections to the United Democratic Movement gave old hostilities a new banner. Domestic and criminal violence also perpetuate a climate of fear that is stoked by the ready availability of weapons. Imprisoned for their role in the conflict, ex-combatants held in Pietermaritzburg Prison have initiated a peace process in an attempt to bring sustainable peace to their communities at home. By interviewing these prisoners, as well as police and party representatives, the foundation for the successful implementation of a community weapons collection programme in Richmond have been laid. In addition, the researchers were able to draw on the experiences of a youth recovery initiative in KwaMashu and the Church weapons recovery programme in Mozambique.
Details: Braamfontien, South Africa: The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 2005. 62p.
Source: Violence and Transition Project: Internet Resource: Accessed March 17, 2012 at
Year: 2005
Country: South Africa
URL:
Shelf Number: 124561
Keywords:
Guns and Violence (South Africa)Weapons (South Africa) |
