Pietermaritzburg - National Freedom Party (NFP) KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Vikizitha Mlotshwa says he has lost confidence in the police as they have not effected any arrest since he was ambushed in 2016.
Mlotshwa was giving evidence before the Moerane Commission on political killings in Pietermaritzburg on Friday where he blamed the current killings on hitmen who have been recruited into the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC).
“It is worth noting that last year I survived the ambush of five bullets when I was attacked at the entrance of my home in Bergville. The case was reported at the Bergville police station. Up until today there is no update and progress on the matter,” said Mlotshwa.
He added that when there was no assistance from the police, he engaged higher authorities without any success. “I ended up losing hope and confidence on the SAPS,” the NFP chairperson continued.
He admitted that there were tensions between the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and NFP which had resulted to deaths. “The decision to leave the IFP and form the NFP was the core in triggering the violence and political intolerance between the NFP and IFP. Through their (IFP) anarchy, arrogant and hostile approach they created some no-go areas for the NFP in special places like hostels,” said Mlotshwa.
The NFP was formed in 2011 on the eve of the local government elections.
He added that as the NFP grew, the IFP felt threatened and an unnecessary fight began between the supporters and members of the two parties. “As the NFP we are still nursing the wounds and grieving the loss of our fellow comrades who were injured and killed by IFP members. Here I am speaking about the +- 22 people who were killed by IFP and many families who were victims and casualties of IFP attack and violence,” Mlotshwa told the commission.
The NFP KZN chairperson appealed to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department to run workshops on political education as this may help quell levels of political intolerance.