IFP making KwaMashu 'no-go area'

27 November 2012 - 02:08 By THANDO MGAGA
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
NFP president Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi. File photo
NFP president Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi. File photo
Image: Thuli Dlamini

The National Freedom Party said yesterday the multiparty committee had failed to end politically inspired attacks and assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, especially in KwaMashu.

During a media briefing at the party's head office in Durban, the party' s president , Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi said the National Freedom Party had suffered the most deaths in the area - 12 members had been killed since the party's inception early last year.

She lashed out at its arch-rivals, the IFP, for attempting to turn the KwaMashu men's hostel into a no-go area for her members.

KaMagwaza-Msibi also blasted the police for not responding to calls to search the hostel for arms caches.

The party blames the IFP for barring its members by stoning them and more than 20 cars belonging to their members when they visited the volatile township on Sunday to canvass for votes ahead of next year'sby-election.

It also accused the IFP of torching a vehicle belonging to Sapa journalist Jo Stolley on Sunday. Ten NFP members suffered minor injuries .

"In light of what the IFP members do in that hostel, the NFP doubts whether the election will be free and fair.

"Party agents are afraid to do their work because of threats and high levels of intimidation by IFP supporters.

"The NFP feels the IFP is violating the Municipal Electoral Act and the electoral code of conduct," said KaMagwaza-Msibi.

IFP caucus leader in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature Blessed Gwala accused the NFP of using his party as a scapegoat for the violence in the area.

Gwala said there were tensions that needed to be addressed by both parties and the multi party committee.

He played down KaMagwaza-Msibi's claims that the committee was ineffective.

"There are weaknesses that need strengthening. Without this [committee] and the police, we have no alternative for peace. This does not at all justify political violence," said Gwala.

Attempts to get comment from Willies Mchunu, community safety and liaison MEC, who also heads the multiparty committee, were not successful.

KaMagwaza-Msibi said her members had been threatened with death, humiliated, insulted and undermined on Sunday.

But she said the partywas determined to visit the area again to campaign for votes.

KaMagwaza-Msibi said she would also lay a complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission about being prevented from campaigning.

KwaZulu-Natal Electoral Commission head Mawethu Mosery said he had not received any complaints from the NFP yesterday.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now