KZN Premier Dube-Ncube says at least 16 people injured during ANC-IFP supporters clash

JOHANNESBURG - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says at least 16 people are injured following a clash between African National Congress (ANC) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) supporters.

The IFP accused the governing party of disrespecting Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini during an event in KwaNongoma on Saturday.

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ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma interrupted Zulu Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi as he addressed the crowd.

This sparked tensions between the two parties vying for control of KwaZulu-Natal in the upcoming elections.

It’s understood women and children were among those injured during an altercation between supporters after the event.

A 37-year-old woman was severely beaten and suffered head injuries.

Dube-Ncube called for calm in the province: “We are pleading with political parties and their supporters to practice tolerance. 

“I spoke to the king yesterday [Saturday], and he was also deeply concerned about the senseless attacks on innocent members of the community who were severely beaten. It’s a setback for us and it’s extremely embarrassing for the province.”