Inkatha Freedom Party Statement By:
MR VELAPHI NDLOVU MP
IFP SAFETY AND SECURITY SPOKESPERSON

28 September 2007

It has come to our attention that five Inkatha Freedom Party leaders were arrested overnight by Port Shepstone police in KwaZulu-Natal. 

They are: Councillor Mbuthuma and Councillor Mbonwa both from the Mzwabantu Council; Freeman Maphumulo from Ugu and Mr Elton Mkhize and Mr Gobo Zulu from Ezingolweni. 

They are currently being held by the South African Police Service. Details are sketchy and not even their families know where they are being held. 

It is alleged that a floor-crosser from the IFP who joined the ANC during September's floor-crossing window went to the police and made claims that these five men tried to kill him.  

We believe these allegations are absolutely untrue. 

This is nothing more than political interference and political manipulation.

The ANC is using their powers to intimidate and harass IFP leaders. 

Furthermore, it seems like the SAPS is acting like the old apartheid regime force by not even divulging the details of where these IFP men is being kept. It is truly shocking.  

The IFP believe these men did nothing wrong and we want them released immediately.   

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP: 083 625 0803
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470