IFP distances itself from attacks on ANC members during King Dinuzulu's commemoration

DURBAN - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has distanced itself from attacks on African National Congress (ANC) members during the King Dinuzulu commemoration in Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) last Saturday.

The party briefed journalists in Durban on its relationship with the ANC in KZN following the recent controversy between the parties.

Shortly after the ANC’s Siboniso Duma snatched the microphone away from the IFP’s Thulasizwe Buthelezi at the event of Saturday, some ANC supporters were attacked.

The ANC in the province linked the attack to the IFP but the party says this cannot be proven.

Eleven ANC supporters who were wearing party regalia at the government event commemorating King Dinuzulu were attacked with wooden sticks.

Some of them sustained serious injuries and the ANC in KZN blamed this on the IFP.

However, IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa said that the party will not account for the incident unless there is proof linking its members.

“We will take full responsibility as the IFP if there could be proof presented before us that look, these people were wearing t-shirts or a regalia associated with you (IFP) or are the leaders known to be IFP leaders.”.

Both the ANC and IFP will soon meet to discuss political tolerance.