PRESS STATEMENT FROM
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

DAMAGE TO MR. J. B. SKONDE'S PROPERTY BY SAPS 

CAPE TOWN : NOVEMBER 19, 1999

The IFP in Nongoma condemns in the strongest possible terms the plundering of Mr. J. B. Skonde's property by members of the SAPS (Special Investigation Unit) on Tuesday the 16th of November 1999 at Nongoma.

The doors of his house were broken down, furniture damaged and his clothing littered in the yard. His safe in the house was forced open and valuable items including money was stolen by the police. Someone who was in the house at that time was badly assaulted and had to be taken to the Doctor for medical attention. Mr. Skonde whom the police were looking for was not even in the house at that time when this criminal act took place.

This flagrant violation of Mr. Skonde's human rights by the police is completely unacceptable and is indeed viewed in a very serious light by the IFP. Mr. Skonde is a highly respected local leader, a school principal, a Deputy Mayor of the town and the Chairman of the IFP in the Nongoma District. Thus a responsible citizen.

If he was suspected of any crime there was absolutely nothing that prevented the police from approaching him in a humane manner. A formal complaint has since been lodged with the local police at the Nongoma Police Station and the IFP will not rest until the perpetrators of this barbaric act are brought to book.

The fundamental legal principle which governs the Criminal Procedure Act in this country dictates that Mr. Skonde is innocent until proven guilty by a Court of Law. The IFP has full confidence in Mr. Skonde's integrity and innocence in this case which is why it had no problem in arranging for his voluntary handing over to the police.

However, the IFP is gravely concerned about the growing temptation by the Leaders of the ANC in KwaZulu Natal to use the police special investigation teams to get at their political opponents and even as hit squads.

The matter of Mr. Sfiso Nkabinde of Richmond is a classic reminder of how members of the police could be involved in the elimination of political opponents of this Party.

The IFP therefore awaits the speedy conclusion of the investigation and the arrest of these perpetrators of this beastly act which is reminiscent of the conduct of the police of the old apartheid regime.

 

Further information

Mr. M A Mncwango MP 082 636 8466