Members statements by Blessed Gwala, Leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, November 20 2012:

IFP SHOCKED BY THE DEATH OF ITS BLOCK CHAIRMAN IN KWAMASHU

THE Inkatha Freedom Party in Kwa-Zulu Natal has expressed shock at the death of its Ward 40 Block Chairman in KwaMashu.

Sihle Biyela originally from Mtunzini area, under Nkosi Mzimela traditional area was residing in KwaMashu and was a staunch IFP supporter. Biyela was shot and killed late last night. "We are gravely concerned at the increasing violence, whereby we see IFP members being victimised before a By-Election set to take place on the 5th of December 2012. We are calling on the police to protect the community of KwaMashu, we have already had one too many killings and this is totally unacceptable," said Honourable Blessed Gwala, Leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature.

While it is tough for the IFP to mourn this loss and recover to a functioning level, it is worse for the family. The IFP would like to extend its condolonces to the Biyela family. Biyela and his family especially his uncle who is the IFP Chairperson in KwaMashu have served the party with admired dedication. Biyela will be greatly missed.

IFP: PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MUST PROTECT POLITICAL LEADERS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE

THE Inkatha Freedom Party in Kwa-Zulu Natal is calling on the Provincial government to implement an emergency protection strategy for all political victims of violence.

IFP's request comes shortly after an IFP leader in KwaMashu was shot and killed last night and uMtshezi IFP Cllr Mthembeni Majola survived a hail of bullets on Sunday after he was attacked by three armed men while travelling with his driver and his son. Cllr Majola and his driver were both injured during the shooting.

"We are concerned by this rife violence aimed at IFP members. We cannot afford to lose anymore lives. While we applaud the work of the SAPS, a clear strategy from the ruling party to protect political leaders who are victims of violence should be implemented," said Honourable Blessed Gwala, Leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature and Shadow MEC for Community Safety and Liaison.

In a period of less than three months the IFP has lost more than five members due to the increasing political unrest in Ethekwini. The IFP is also concerned by MEC Willies Mchunu's alleged utterances that he made during a Sod turning ceremony of a Taxi rank in Ward 4 uMtshezi Municipality. The Sod turning was purposely done in a wrong area which was Ward 8 where a By-Election was set to take place, instead of Ward 4 where the taxi rank is at.

Issued by the IFP, November 20 2012

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