Durban - The National Freedom Party intends laying charges with police after party members were attacked, allegedly by ANC members, while campaigning on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.
ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala however said in a statement that, according to the party's information, patrons at a local tavern took umbrage at being disturbed by NFP members handing out orange NFP T-shirts.
“While in their campaign train in the area, NFP members entered into a tavern and distributed their T-shirts. It is alleged that an altercation between NFP members and patrons in the tavern ensued which led to a serious confrontation,” he said.
The African National Congress would investigate the allegations and if it was found that the tavern patrons were members of the ANC, action would be taken against them.
NFP leader Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi condemned the attack. She said NFP campaigners were injured and two cars were set alight by people, some of whom were wearing ANC T-shirts.
“We are living in a free country where every political party has a right to campaign at any part of the country. I condemn the attack on our supporters by ANC members.
“Such incidents are against the electoral code of conduct signed by all political parties that are going to contest the elections,” she said, adding that local NFP members would open a case with the police.
Sapa