The Independent on Saturday
The Editor
Via email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Dear Sir:
I have noted disturbing allegations made in your paper in an article titled “Police on the trail of killers of three NFP top officials”.
The journalist, Nondumiso Mbuyazi, writes that NFP officials believe the recent murder of their members could be politically motivated, and then questions remarks made by IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in an effort to link these remarks with incitement to violence.
The NFP, the Saturday Independent and Mbuyazi have cunningly, and not so subtly, apportioned blame to Prince Buthelezi.
To point a finger at one individual, especially when the police themselves cannot yet confirm whether these murders are politically motivated or not, is not only extremely irresponsible, but libellous. This could warrant legal action by the IFP.
The facts contradict the accusation. Prince Buthelezi has never once encouraged IFP supporters to engage in violence. Instead, he has always preached peace, calm and no retaliation. He believes in engaging problems through negotiation, not the barrel of the gun. Prince Buthelezi’s entire legacy stands as testimony to this truth. This is why he condemned the murders and called for swift action from the police.
It is the IFP President who first reached out a hand to the NFP when he said in his newsletter that it is time for the leaders of the IFP and the NFP to meet, to sort out this issue face to face.
The IFP is routinely used as a scapegoat whenever reports of suspected politically motivated murder surface. It is nothing new. It is a dirty old trick that continues to be used by the IFP’s foes in an effort to defame the IFP and its leadership.
This article amounts to grossly irresponsible journalism, which most certainly warrants the attention of the Office of the Press Ombudsman.
DR BV MTHETHWA
ACTING NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON OF THE IFP
