The IFP has expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding yesterday's arrest of its councillor Ezekiel "Fish" Ngwenya on suspicion of murdering an ANC member in Nongoma. 

"We believe that this arrest forms part and parcel of large-scale victimisation of IFP members by the SAPS in and around Nongoma since 1 February this year," said IFP National Organiser Albert Mncwango. 

The IFP has condemned what it sees as a series of systematic and well-orchestrated acts of brutality committed by the SAPS at the behest of the ANC against members of the public who are suspected of criminal activities, including harbouring of weapons. 

"We are aware of individuals such as Reverend Themba Mvubu (75) and Mbongeleni Khumalo (56) being paraded naked in front of their families by policemen on the pretext of searching for guns. Similarly, homes have been ransacked and private property has been destroyed by the SAPS in search for non-existent criminals," said Mncwango.  

The IFP is also concerned about the well-being and safety of its councillors in Nongoma who are being targeted for harassment by the police. "This is a deliberate attempt on the part of the ANC to derail the IFP's election campaign with the help of security organs of the state," said Mncwango. 

The IFP maintains that in the run-up to every election since 1994, the people of Nongoma have been routinely subjected to police brutality.

"Were are confident, however, that none of what is happening in Nongoma these days will break the local people's spirit and commitment to a free and fair election on 22 April," said Mncwango. 

Contact:
Albert Mncwango
083 448 4896