KZN cops monitor tensions between IFP and ANC

Police were on Thursday deployed to KwaZulu-Natal’s Ntabamhlophe area to monitor serious tensions between Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and African National Congress (ANC) supporters.

This followed clashes on Wednesday night that saw two men, one from each party, shot and 10 cars badly damaged.

“Clashes began during the day just near the voting station where a by-election was held. The police managed to stop the clash,” said police Director Phindile Radebe.

“The situation got worse at night when cars were damaged and two people were shot.”

The two men who were shot survived, she said.

Police were investigating cases of attempted murder and public violence.

“Everything is under control at the moment and our members will remain there until we are satisfied that the situation has gone back to normal,” said Radebe.

It was not the first time that the members of the two parties were involved in clashes.

The IFP and ANC have been blaming each other for attacks since the start of the campaigns for the upcoming general elections on April 22.

Several people have been injured and some have been killed in various incidents blamed on political tensions.

The IFP blamed the ANC for the Wednesday night violence, which the party said happened immediately after the announcement of the results of a by-election in Ntabamhlophe.

The IFP won the by-election.

“The ANC has demonstrated that it is unable to accept the result of a democratic election. This raises concerns about the ruling party’s behaviour once it loses the entire province to the IFP on April 22,” said IFP provincial secretary Bonginkosi Buthelezi in a statement.

“Some of our supporters have sustained injuries and had to be taken to hospital,” he said.

The ANC was not immediately available to comment.—Sapa