The IFP's KwaZulu-Natal Spokesperson, Mr Velaphi Ndlovu today condemned the killing of Prince Thulani Zulu in Nongoma yesterday.

Mr Ndlovu said:

"The IFP is saddened by the killing of Prince Thulani Zulu in Nongoma yesterday. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We know from personal experience the pain that comes with senseless killing. The IFP has buried many victims in Nongoma and elsewhere in the recent past. The family of Prince Thulani Zulu should draw comfort from the quick response from Minister Charles Nqakula in commissioning a special investigation into the death of Prince Zulu."

"While the IFP welcomes the setting up of a special investigation into the death of Prince Zulu we regret that this kind of rapid response only seems to occur when a person aligned to the ANC is killed. Whilst the Minister did undertake to investigate IFP concerns tabled in parliament recently by the President of the IFP, we note however that he has been slow to commission an investigation. We call on the Minister to attach the same value on the lives of IFP and ANC members alike. Please remember Mr Minister that all South Africans deserve your protection and not just the ANC."

"The IFP also calls on those tasked by the Minister to investigate the death of Prince Thulani Zulu to start their investigation with the deaths of Sikonde and all other IFP leaders killed in Nongoma."

"The IFP further notes the admission by Minister Nqakula that there is a low intensity war going in KZN. We can only hope that His Majesty the King was listening and finally accepts the reality that people in KwaZulu-Natal are being killed."

ENDS

3rd March 2005

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