Response by the IFP Chief Whip to accusations by Theo Venter against the IFP

September 8, 2006

MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
MR. KOOS VAN DER MERWE - MP
IFP CHIEF WHIP


IFP Chief Whip, Koos van der Merwe, has reacted to the accusation in the Citizen of 29 August 2006 that the IFP was involved in black on black violence.

A political analyst, Mr. Theo Venter was quoted as saying: "Vlok was the political head of the security forces, who backed the IFP financially and, in essence, black on black violence."

Van der Merwe said Venter was trying to create the impression that the IFP was actively involved in black on black violence, which is simply not true.

"The IFP was in fact the victim of violence and thousands upon thousands of its supporters were brutally murdered. The IFP President, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi - MP, has advocated non-violence and passive resistance, throughout his life. To accuse him of black on black violence is blatantly unfair and not true, " Van der Merwe said.

He added: "If Venter is really interested in black on black violence in our past, he should rather focus on the hundreds of innocent black people who were brutally murdered in what became known as 'necklace murders'. He could also look at the Quatro Camps of the ANC. That would enable Venter to discover the truth about our violent past."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Mr. Koos van der Merwe - MP: 082 444 4944

Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848