/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Inkhatha Freedom Party (IFP) in Gauteng has learned with shock of two disturbing incidents; one in Itereleng, Pretoria where an elderly woman was burned to death for allegedly killing an eight-year-old child, and the other in Thembisa, where a clinic was set on fire, eleven vehicles torched and shops looted.

“We are deeply saddened and disappointed that in the month of reflecting on the importance of human rights, an innocent life of a senior citizen has been lost in the absence of sanity and morals. It is a disturbing occurrence that can only be understood as backward thinking and lack of respect for another and therefore strange to any person’s imagination, said IFP Gauteng Caucus Leader, Bonginkosi Dhlamini.

“This ludicrous incident above all demonstrates the viciousness in our society and serves to confirm that we are slowly but surely becoming a violent society which disregards the Constitutional assurance that, “Everyone has the right to life,” said Dhlamini.

It is in this sombre mood that we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

“On the other hand, it goes without saying that a few amongst us have decided to destabilise and degenerate our communities as seen in Winnie Mandela, Thembisa. The absurd activities that have resulted in among others, a clinic being burned down are not only ridiculous, but they are in violation of the rights of those community members who sincerely and solely depend on public health facilities,” said Dhlamini.

“Thus, the IFP in Gauteng views these regrettable acts as criminal in the extreme. Surely, there should never be any justification for burning important public facilities or looting shops owned by foreign nationals or even citizens of this country,” adds Dhlamini.

“We therefore urge the community to work together with the police to ensure that those responsible for these unruly behaviours are captured and brought to book. We need to eliminate the rot in our society before it corrupts good morals. We need to eliminate all probabilities of criminal behaviour, and strive for a lawful and just society,” concludes Dhlamini.

Issued by IFP