Lolo Madonsela
Simangaliso Zwane, member of the EFF and former IFP member, has accused the IFP in AbaQulusi of plotting against him to have him arrested on false rape charges.
In an open letter written to the IFP, Zwane stated: “I want to make it crystal clear that for some months now I’ve known about your plan to discredit me politically and have waited with bated breath.”
He alleged the party had called his girlfriend seeking pictures of him to use as fake evidence, offering to pay her for the ‘service’.
Zwane called the move ‘too low even for you’ and said he had done well to leave the party.
“I think that I did what you have always wanted and left your failing party that has failed us as the electorate. But going all out to get someone to [falsify] rape in order to get to me… You people are something else, I must say. Are you really that desperate to find something bad to say about me that you can go that far? Try something else – this too did not work like the plans to assassinate me.”
Also read: Democracy in AbaQulusi is under threat
The IFP’s Zululand District Deputy Chairperson, Mpiyakhe Hlatshwayo said the party ‘noted with great regret’ the allegations made by Zwane and added the IFP had neither ‘interest in the naked body of Smanga Zwane, nor that of any other individual’.
Cllr Hlatshwayo added the ‘supposed girlfriend’ could be hypothetical as she was not mentioned in the letter.
“The name of the girlfriend is not mentioned in the Facebook article, which makes her remain a supposed-to-be-existing girlfriend or a hypothetical girlfriend, who may well have been created to solely serve the purpose of the allegation created to extend political mudslinging at the IFP. If the girlfriend really exists and said this to Mr Zwane, I sympathize with him for being so misled or blackmailed. I am really not sure about the intentions of the lady, nor am I certain about the nature of the problems Mr Zwane and the hypothetical girlfriend are experiencing, which may have led to the misleading.”
He further stated the IFP held a high moral integrity and lambasted corruption of any kind.
Also read: IFP responds to allegation of democracy under threat
“The IFP is a highly ethical political organisation with a broad focus on issues facing the country; led by individuals who form the leadership collective of high moral standards… We have spent much time building and rebuilding lives of individuals; hence the existence of graduates who have degrees and noble professions because of the IFP.”
In conclusion, Cllr Hlatshwayo said the IFP wished Zwane well in his new political endeavours and hoped he had time to focus on his new party’s programs instead of his former party.
“We indeed notice his efforts to keep our name known by the media, but we invite him to return and do so internally and under the disciplined functionality methods of the IFP. When he decides to return, he is most welcome.”
Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates
