IFP accuses ANC of using State Security to fight political battles

Lolo Madonsela

The IFP in AbaQulusi has insisted Speaker of Council, Michael Khumalo will not vacate his seat.

This follows the ANC’s call for Khumalo’s removal from the positions of Ward Councillor and Speaker, after his arrest for allegedly stealing a generator from a municipal fire engine.

IFP spokesperson for the AbaQulusi Region, Khehla Mkhwanazi said the party believed Khumalo was innocent and claimed the ANC was using State resources and security agencies to fight political battles.

“As IFP in AbaQulusi, we are convinced Cde MB Khumalo, who is our Speaker in AbaQulusi, is innocent. I had already engaged him and all was explained to my satisfaction,” said Mkhwanazi.

He also stated the IFP was not planning any action against the Speaker yet.

Also read: Is the ANC giving up leadership in AbaQulusi?

“We are not going to waste our time by planning anything regarding the arrest of our Speaker, because this is the ANC we all know. They have been throwing everything at the IFP – particularly our Speaker – without any success and even this time around, they are just playing political games.

“The ANC is known for using State resources and security agencies in particular to fight political battles and there is nothing new about that. They tried it last year through what was called hate speech accusations, and thereafter with a number of votes of no confidence. And this might not be their last one, so planning for that will be nothing but a waste of time,” added Mkhwanazi.

Also read: Speaker survives motion of no confidence

Regarding the ANC’s call for the Speaker’s removal, he commented: “They are talking nonsense. This matter is in court and the case is scheduled for February 24, 2020 and the Speaker will prove his innocence, so then why rush?”

“I wish to emphasize our concern as the IFP about the misuse of security and law enforcement agencies to fight the political battles of the ANC,” he added.

Secretary of the ANC in the AbaQulusi Region, Zakes Buthelezi rubbished allegations the ANC was using State security to fight its political battles.

“We are using the law to fight criminals. We are not throwing mud at the Speaker; he is dirty. We reported that he stole the generator and that he was keeping it at his house. Was it not found in his house? There is still a lot more…” he cautioned.

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