26 February 2010

The IFP is extremely shocked at the events that are unfolding in Nongoma right now, where a massive police contingent have unleashed a reign of terror on the people of Nongoma, for no reason at all.

Ordinary citizens, including the elderly, have been rounded-up, searched, terrorised and abused. The doors of their homes have been broken down and personal items such as groceries have been destroyed.

The IFP's Secretary General Reverend Musa Zondi was subjected to the same abuse shortly before the 2009 general election. It is very clear to us that the SAPS, at the behest of the ANC, has launched a politically motivated attack on the people of Nongoma today, months before the 2011 local government elections.

Nongoma, in comparison to other parts of the country, has a relatively low crime rate. It is therefore our view, that the people of Nongoma are being subjected to human rights abuses right now for nothing more than their political affiliation.

We will now longer sit back and allow the ANC to torture our people; and we will no longer allow the police to abuse their power. Not even during the heydays of apartheid did we see such gross violations of human rights. We will lodge a formal complaint with Human Rights Commission as soon as possible.

The ANC's abuse of power is now threatening our democracy and peace and stability in KwaZulu Natal.

Albert Mncwango MP

IFP National Organiser

Contact: Albert Mncwango,                    083 448 4896 

Media enquiries: Liezl van der Merwe,     082 729 2510.