NFP Secretary-General assaulted in Ulundi

NATIONAL Freedom Party (NFP) Secretary-General Canaan Mdletshe was assaulted by a group of men in Ulundi outside the Nsukazi voting station in ward 6 on Sunday afternoon.

According to NFP Deputy President Jeremiah Mavundla, Mdletshe was with two NFP members – a woman and a man – outside the voting station when two people wearing IFP T-shirts showed up.

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‘They went straight to our male member, who was wearing an NFP T-shirt, and tore it apart. They allegedly told him that he was not allowed to wear an NFP T-shirt in that area.

‘When Mdletshe tried to intervene, a group of men who were not wearing political T-shirts joined in and began assaulting our members, including our secretary-general.

‘While at the scene, Mdletshe informed Police Minister Bheki Cele about the incident, and police were dispatched to attend the scene,’ Mavundla said.

Mavundla accused the IFP of creating a no-go area, and said the incident was unacceptable.

‘We thought the IFP would distance and condemn this attack, as the attackers made it clear that no other political party is allowed to canvass in that area except the IFP.

‘The attack has brought fear to our members and party agents. This incident follows the murder of our candidate who was killed and set alight in his car in Nongoma last week,’ Mavundla said.

He said Mdletshe is still waiting for the police case number.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa believes the allegations are baseless and convenient for evil formulation.

‘We have no reason to beat up the NFP, as we going to beat them on the ballot.

‘We are calling on him (Mdletshe) to open a criminal case with police and the IEC, and submit evidence to back it up. However, as the IFP, we are calling for a free and fair election with no intimidation or fear,’ Hlengwa said.