IFP places Youth Brigade chair on special leave following GBV allegations

Days after issuing a plea through the media for his missing wife to return home, IFP Youth Brigade National Chairperson Sanele Zondo has been placed on special leave by the party amid allegations of abuse.

This comes after Zondo’s wife, Simenyiwe MaDlomo-Zondo (28) last night (Wednesday) resurfaced in a secret location, citing abuse by her husband as the reason she left home.

Zondo’s suspension was confirmed by IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who said the party takes such allegations extremely seriously, and that all IFP Youth Brigade (IFPYB) matters would be handled by the Office of the National Secretary of the IFPYB.

“We have pledged our support in the fight against gender-based violence. We therefore take this matter extremely seriously and wish to assure the public of our commitment to deal with this matter with the urgent priority and attention it deserves and requires,” said Hlengwa.

Simenyiwe, from KwaMduku in Hluhluwe, went missing last Friday. According to Zondo, his wife sent him a text saying she was going to Richards Bay to go shopping and never returned.

A missing persons docket was registered for investigation at Hluhluwe SAPS.

Abuse allegations

A close family source alleged Simenyiwe left home after the Zondo and Dlomo families failed to resolve a dispute between the married couple. The source alleged that on Sunday, 4 August Simenyiwe was assaulted and her cellphone was damaged by her husband.

“After the incident, she went to Hluhluwe Police Station to press criminal charges against her husband, but while she was there, Zondo family members managed to convince her not to [do so].

“They promised that both families would meet to discuss and resolve the matter. They all left the station. It came to light now that no meeting was convened, hence she decided to disappear,” said the source.

The source further explained that on the day of her disappearance, she sent suicidal messages to her husband, parents and friends.

These claims were disputed by Zondo, who said his wife’s disappearance had nothing to do with what had transpired previously.

However, he confirmed there had been a ‘misunderstanding’ between them, but that it had nothing to do with her disappearance.
On Wednesday, Simenyiwe surfaced on social media, explaining her ordeal.

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