EFF and NFP fight killings!

THE National Freedom Party (NFP) joined hundreds of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members to march against political killings and political intolerance.

The NFP members decided to join the march as, in the past months, their councillors have been killed and attacked in the Zululand region. The EFF painted the streets of Ulundi, northern KZN, red on Thursday, 4 April.

The march was led by the EFF secretary general Marshall Dlamini.

“We see the growth of political killings in KZN. As politicians, we must be active in fighting against this norm. Because if we don’t, it will grow even further,” Dlamini said.

He also called for political intolerance that slowly wanted to raise its ugly head.

“We must have political tolerance and allow everyone to campaign freely anywhere and at any time. Even if it's not your party, you must respect them and not attack them,” said Dlamini.

Ulundi is located 57km away from Nongoma, where most of the killings of the NFP councillors are happening. 

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In July 2023, NFP Councillor Ntombinhle Mchunu was brutally murdered at her home in Nongoma. Three weeks before her murder, another NFP councillor, Nonhlanhla Zungu, survived two attempts on her life.

Then, two weeks after Mchunu’s burial, another NFP councillor, Mphathiseni Manqele, survived an assassination.

NFP member who is also Nongoma mayor, Mshangane Ndabandaba, said they joined the march in support of the call.

“We now live the life of checking your back when moving around because many of our members have been attacked in Nongoma,” said Ndabandaba.

He said they're calling for peace as the election date draws nearer. 

One of the residents who was part of the march, Buhlebuzile Mkhize (24), said she couldn’t stay at home because the killings of people, not only politicians, are a worrying factor to anyone.

“We pray for peace and tolerance, especially in the areas that are known for being strongholds of certain parties. We pray that everyone is able to exercise their rights without being infringed upon,” she said. Another marcher, Musa Ncanana (34), said this is an important call and every politician must be part of it to ensure that they have free and fair elections.