Disgruntled IFP members ask for urgent Cogta intervention
MELMOTH IFP supporters marched to Mthonjaneni municipal offices last Thursday where they handed over a memorandum calling for the reversal of the expulsion of five councillors.
The protestors called on MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(Cogta), Sipho Hlomuka, to reinstate former mayor, Cllr Sibonginkosi Biyela, Eric Masikane, Tholinhlahla Ngema, Zipho Ndlovu and Nhlonipho Buthelezi.
The councillors were expelled and their IFP membership terminated last month, after being found guilty of misconduct and refusing to obey party instructions.
They were accused of conniving with the opposition party (ANC) to oust the Speaker, Cllr Ntombiyenkosi Mbatha and Deputy Mayor
Phumlani Ntombela, through a motion of no confidence.
Protest leader, Nkululeko Zikhali, said they were 'aggrieved' with newly-elected Mthonjaneni Mayor, Cllr Mbangiseni Biyela.
'He wrote a letter inviting all IFP councillors in the district to a meeting that was held at Thubalethu last Sunday, where we were expecting our leadership to give us a feedback as to why our councillors were expelled.
'In that letter, he made it clear that these councillors must attend to protect the image of our party.
‘We demand to know, how were they expecting to protect the image our party and from whom?
‘To us it is clear that their intention was to kill us, as they did by sending their bodyguards to open fire to us on that day.
‘We believe that the attack was planned.'
Zikhali urged MEC Hlomuka to investigate the allegations that two IFP councillors were seen shooting towards the crowd during the incident where three people were injured outside the hall.
‘Bodyguards and two outsourced security officers who shot at community members during the protest were whisked away from the scene.
‘They were taken to a BnB facility in Eshowe where they are hiding. On the same day, unknown people were spotted collecting cartridges from the scene,’ he said.
Mthonjaneni mayor, Cllr Biyela distanced himself from these allegations.
‘They are now playing their cheap politics. I do not know what they are talking about.'
Attempts to get comments from KZN Cogta spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila were unsucesseful