10th November 2009

The IFP has taken note of the bitter rivalry between the Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his deputy Fikile Mbalula and has urged President Zuma to intervene in the alleged power struggle. 

"The report of alleged internal strife that has emerged from the Ministry of Police is a clear indication that the Zuma-administration lacks the political will to tackle crime successfully and to give it the urgent attention that it so desperately needs," said Velaphi Ndlovu the IFP Spokesperson of Police. 

Despite the ANC's promise to make crime fighting its main priority, hundreds of South Africans still live in fear of violent criminals every day. 

"Recent ANC and government statements on the need for tougher action on crime would be welcome were they not so clearly and consistently contradicted by the ruling party's actions. How is the ordinary man on the street ever expected to take government seriously when first they impose on us Minister Charles Nqakula, who denied crime was a problem, and now the Police Ministry is in the hands of two men who are squabbling over turf like it is some sort of school brawl? This is really a disgrace," said Ndlovu. 

Ndlovu added: "As the man in charge of the cabinet we are now calling on President Zuma to read Mtethwa and Mbabula the riot act. After all, crime is about people, not about politics and the two bickering Ministers should get on with the jobs they are being paid to do. We call on the two Ministers to respect the need for the separation of powers between party and state and we plead with them to leave the political in-fighting for party conferences." 
 

Contact:
Velaphi Ndlovu MP,     083 625 0803 or
Liezl van der Merwe,    083 611 7470