IFP talks end in violence

14 July 2010, 23:06

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Two people had to be taken to hospital after an Inkatha Freedom Party meeting turned violent in Johannesburg on Wednesday, a party official has claimed.

"I am not sure how many people were injured, but two have been taken to hospital," said IFP's Dube branch chairperson Kwenza Mpungose, who claimed to have been assaulted himself.

He said the confrontation was linked to the intense lobbying for the presidency of the party - which has been held by Mangosuthu Buthelezi since the 1970s.

Buthelezi has indicated that he might step down, but the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal asked him to stay on earlier this month because of the divisions the lobbying for his position had caused.

While some IFP members support IFP national chairperson Zanele Magwaza-Msibi as his replacement, others want the party's general secretary Reverend Musa Zondi to take over.

At the Johannesburg Regional Council meeting on Wednesday, a faction became agitated when it came time for discussion on the leadership battle, said Mpungose.

"The chairperson [Vincent Shange] decided to close the meeting. That's when members closed doors and took out knobkerries, sticks and knives."

Mpungose blamed Buthelezi's supporters for the attack, claiming that they "came prepared".

Police could not confirm the incident. - Sapa

The Star

Comments by Sonny

It would appear as if the same violence tactics are being used at IFP meeting now!

Who is denying the IFP a place in their Sun?