MKMVA CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED INCIDENCES OF SHOOTINGS

INTO THE AIR OUTSIDE THE HOME OF uMAMA WINNIE

MADIKEZELA MANDELA

Date: Sunday, 8 April 2018

The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) is concerned about the
alleged incidences of shootings into the air that had apparently taken place outside the
residence of uMama Winnie Madikezela Mandela.

As MKMVA we embrace uMama Winnie as one of our very own Commanders and Cadres.
The military component of our liberation struggle and the important role that uMama
played as a liberation soldier of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) we are very proud of. We will
never forsake that proud heritage, and we appreciate and understand when our comrades
give expression to the deeply felt emotions associated with it.

However, a critical part of the training and life of any liberation soldier is discipline and
respect for life - especially the lives of our people on whose behalf we joined Umkhonto we
Sizwe (MK) and fought the liberation struggle. That discipline can never condone the
reckless shooting of arms into the air - especially not in civilian and populated areas
where lives can be endangered and injuries can be sustained. Such behaviour is not
revolutionary, and MKMVA distances ourselves and all our members from it. We call on all
our members to refrain from any such actions, and to report any person whom they are
aware of who behave in this ill disciplined manner to the relevant authorities.

To this effect the MKMVA leadership of the Johannesburg region had on Tuesday already
issued an SMS instruction to all our members to refrain from any shootings in the air, and
to mourn the death of our icon and Commander with disciplined dignity and respect.

MKMVA is concerned that criminal elements may be taking advantage of our deeply felt
emotions - and the expression thereof - with the passing on of uMama Winnie Madikezela-
Mandela. We support the police investigations that have been launched into the apparent
reckless incidences of shooting into the air, and those who have been responsible should
be apprehended and the law should take its course.

MKMVA once again calls on all our members to mourn the passing on of our beloved
Commander with the dignity and respect the uMama Winnie so amply deserves.

Issued by Carl Niehaus, NEC Member of MKMVA and National Spokesperson, in association with the
Johannesburg Region of MKMVA
For further information contact Carl on: 082 796 2626