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On Sunday, 30 July 2023, we woke up to the tragic news of the killing of NFP Councillor, Ms Ntombenhle Mchunu, of Nongoma.

The IFP sends its deepest condolences to her family, friends and to the NFP. We condemn this cowardly act, which seeks to bring about instability in Nongoma and KwaZulu-Natal.

The continued killing of councillors in KwaZulu-Natal is of grave and serious concern, particularly ahead of the watershed 2024 national and provincial elections, which must be free and fair, and free from fear.

Since the tragic killing of Cllr Mchunu, there has been heightened and unfounded speculation, which foments political tensions. This, at a time when we all expect the SAPS to bring about a speedy conclusion to the investigation and arrest the perpetrators.

Contrary to the speculation peddling doing the rounds, the balance of power does not change in Nongoma. Cllr Mchunu was a PR councillor and therefore the NFP will directly replace her, without the need for a by-election.

The IFP further calls on the Secretary-General of the NFP, Canaan Mdletshe, to desist from his reckless and irresponsible public posturing, which casts aspersions on the IFP for a crime which he knows all too well stems from the internal ructions in the NFP, around who occupies the NFP EXCO Seat in Nongoma.

Mr Mdletshe knows full well that the composition of party representation does not change in Nongoma because of this tragedy; therefore, suggesting that the senseless killing of Cllr Mchunu was a bid to restore the IFP to power is devoid of any truth, fact, or reality.

It is therefore in the interests of justice, democracy, and peace for the police to quicken - and resolve - their investigation.

We once again convey condolences to Cllr Mchunu’s family. 

Issued by IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa