The IFP has been disappointed by the eThekwini Council's ANC leadership's decision to shield its own councillor from the media scrutiny following his arrest on a murder charge.

Saddam Nontshela, a sitting ANC councillor for Ward 72 (Chatsworth), was arrested on a murder charge earlier this month and subsequently released on a substantial bail, prompting his party's leadership to shroud the matter in secrecy.   

"Here we have a municipal administration that is trumpeting its commitment to transparency and that is, at the same time, shielding from the media and public scrutiny individuals in its own ranks who have been arrested on a charge as serious as murder," said IFP leader in the eThekwini Council Councillor Thembi Nzuza.

The IFP has called on the ANC leaders in the eThekwini Council to live up to their rhetoric about running a transparent local government. "The honourable thing to do for the ANC leadership in the council would be to brief the media about Councillor Nontshela's case as it stands today in order to prevent speculation," said Cllr Nzuza.

Contact: Cllr Thembi Nzuza, 083 682 6702