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IFP suspends KZN youth leader Mncedisi Maphisa, another member over leaked recording

Thami Magubane|Published

The Inkatha Freedom Party has suspended KwaZulu-Natal Youth Brigade chairperson Mncedisi Maphisa and party member Lindi Ndlovu following an alleged call recording that has rocked the party.

Image: Independent Newspapers Archives

Two IFP members have been placed on suspension following the emergence of a recording of a phone call conversation that has been viewed by the party as having the potential to incite violence inside the organisation.

The Inkatha Freedom Party national executive committee (NEC) convened a special meeting last night, May 5, to consider the matter relating to the alleged call recording involving the KZN IFP Youth Brigade provincial chairperson and Member of the National Council, Mncedisi Maphisa MPL, and others.

In a statement, the IFP said that having received formal correspondence from Maphisa yesterday afternoon confirming that it is indeed his voice in the recording, and having considered all material facts presently before it, the NEC resolved to suspend Maphisa from all party activities and responsibilities with immediate effect.

This includes his duties as KZN IFPYB Provincial Chairperson and Member of the IFP National Council, pending the matter serving before the National Council for disciplinary processes.

It said another IFP member, Lindi Ndlovu, has also been suspended from the IFP and barred from all party-related activities with immediate effect, pending the matter serving before the National Council for disciplinary processes. It is alleged that she may have been the person that Maphisa was speaking to during the phone call.

In the phone call, two individuals are discussing challenges of the inauguration of branches, suggesting that there are areas where IFP members intimidate each other when establishing branches, and recalling that in some cases there have been instances where IFP members had been assaulted when establishing branches.

The party said its NEC will investigate the matter.

“The NEC will continue to investigate the matter and will present a comprehensive report to the National Council for its consideration as part of the disciplinary process.

“The NEC further cautions all IFP members, leaders, and structures against divisive, irresponsible, and reckless conduct that brings the party into disrepute and undermines unity within the organisation.

“The IFP remains committed to organisational discipline, unity, integrity, and the preservation of the values upon which the party was founded,” the party said.

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