IFP CONDEMNS ESTCOURT COUNCILLORS SHOOTINGS

June 15, 2006

The IFP condemns in the strongest language the killing of two of its councillors, Estcourt Deputy Mayor Dolly Dladla and D. Mchunu, who were shot in a road ambush. The third councillor, Lungile Mhlongo, who accompanied them in the same vehicle, survived the shooting but was badly injured.

Estcourt, an IFP stronghold, has recently been the site of a number of killings of IFP members. At least three IFP members were murdered late last year. No arrests have been made to this day.

"The IFP fears that the brutal killing of councillors Dladla and Mchunu is part of an ongoing campaign to incapacitate the party in Estcourt where it enjoys considerable support," said IFP Secretary-General, Reverend Musa Zondi.

Reverend Zondi also said:

"We would like to make it clear to the murderers that the support for the IFP in Estcourt stems from our meticulous record as the champion of rural development. As such, we cannot and will not be obliterated by crude violence.

"The IFP will not succumb to violence of any kind. We have always been the party of constructive dialogue and we will continue to be so in the face of deliberate efforts to erode our support base by eliminating our public representatives, members and supporters."

Contact: Reverend Musa Zondi, 083 440 5966