The IFP, through its National Spokesperson, Rev. K.M. Zondi, MP, today said that while they are highly concerned about the allegations against Mr. Albert M. Mncwango, MP, relating to his court appearance in Eshowe earlier today, they believe that he is nevertheless entitled to the presumption, innocent until proven guilty, upon which South African dictum is based.

Responding to calls from the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal for the immediate suspension of Mr. Mncwango, Rev. Zondi said:

"We (IFP) find it ironic that the ANC in KZN has called for his immediate suspension while at the same time they claim adherence to the dictum of presumed innocence. We find it interesting that when allegations were recently made against Mr. Sbu Ndebele, leader of the ANC in KZN and MEC of Transport in the province, they did not lead by example by suspending him."

"They accorded him the same benefit of doubt, which must be accorded everyone under similar circumstances."

"What particularly concerns us is that this call is made by the ANC in KZN, which is known to have isolated Mr. Mncwango for vilification. It therefore comes as no surprise that they are calling for his suspension. This is the same ANC which wants us to believe that they are interested in reconciliation with the IFP and want to close the chapter on the conflicts that led to the spillage of a lot of innocent blood in KZN from the mid-eighties to the mid-nineties."