Party marches against GBV, murder and illegal businesses

Protestors gave police 14 days to respond to their memorandum, failing which they threatened to embark on a total shutdown and march to the Premier’s office if their demands are not met

12 hours ago

Muzi Zincume 2 minutes read

IFP members and supporters marched against GBV, political killings and illegal immigrants on Friday

SCORES of IFP members and supporters calling for increased action against gender based violence marched to hand over their memorandum of grievances to police on Friday.

The IFP uMlalazi Constituency chairperson, Qaphelani Ngema, said the region is ‘under siege’, as people are being killed for their political beliefs, and women and children are being killed and abused by men.

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They further claimed that communities are overwhelmed by uncontrolled illegal immigration that fuels crime and undermines development.

“We can no longer be silent. Umlalazi is bleeding from GBV, and every week, a woman is raped, beaten or killed by someone who claims to love her.

“Our police stations have no victim-friendly facilities, cases are withdrawn and perpetrators walk free. Femicide has become the norm: this is a war against women,” Ngema said.

He further raised his concern regarding the recent killing of the IFP Ward 17 councillor candidate, Khethelo Mdluli.

“We have buried too many of our own. The brutal assassination of our dedicated branch leader and ward candidate is not an isolated incident. It is part of the system of political intolerance to silence IFP members,” he said.

He demanded that all police stations have a full functional Victim Support Centre and trained GBV desk.

“Perpetrators of GVB, rape and attempted murder must not be granted bail. As the IFP, we welcome all foreign nationals who are in South Africa legally and contribute to development.

“However, we are deeply concerned by the growing number of undocumented and illegal foreign nationals operating illegally in uMlalazi. They are involved in unlicensed businesses, selling expired food, drugs and counterfeit goods, and not paying taxes.

“Some are involved in serious crimes such as murder, cable theft and stock theft.
Our youth are unemployed while our economy is taken over, and Home Affairs is silent. We demand a joint operation by Home Affairs, SAPS and uMlalazi Municipality to audit all spaza shops and other businesses,” he said.

Protestors gave police 14 days to respond to their memorandum, failing which they threatened to embark on a total shutdown and march to the Premier’s office if their demands are not met.

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