Durban — The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal is said to have parted ways with its embattled Msinga Local Municipality mayor Mletheni Ndlovu and two councillors Thokozani Sokhela and Mhawukeleni Sokhela.
Although the matter was expected to be finalised at the weekly party meeting on Monday, insiders within the party said the decision was taken last week to fire the three councillors.
A source in the party who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said Ndlovu and the councillors had already been fired.
Party officials would on Monday finalise the matter and inform the public and the Independent Electoral Commission to declare their positions vacant, the source said.
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa had not responded to the questions sent to him by the time of publication.
Attempts to get comment from Ndlovu and the councillors were unsuccessful. Comments from Ndlovu and the councillors will be added once received.
Ndlovu, the two councillors and his two bodyguards Msawenkosi Malembe and Mvikeleni Mzolo were arrested in October for the alleged possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. They are out on bail.
The IFP subsequently placed them on suspension. If the IFP indeed fires the three, there will be by-elections since all of them are ward councillors.
“Although the court has not found them guilty, I believe the information provided by councillor Siyabonga Ntuli prompted the party to take a decision. Ntuli named Ndlovu (mayor) at the funeral as the one who attacked them with Siyanda Magubane being shot and killed. Why would (the party) fire them and not Ntuli if it believed their version; not Ntuli’s,” said the source.
Daily News