NPF accuses IFP of intolerance after flyover incident
The National Freedom Party says it's lodged a complaint with the IEC for alleged political intolerance by the Inkatha Freedom Party.
A helicopter with an IFP flag flew over the Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Stadium in Ulundi over the weekend, while the NFP was launching its election manifesto.
The NFP says this was a deliberate attempt to interfere with its activities.
The party's president Ivan Barnes claims the incident also caused panic among supporters at the stadium, sending them scrambling for cover.
Barnes says it's not the first incident.
"The IFP does have a personal vendetta against the NFP. It causes agitation; we have a very painful past with the IFP. If the IFP flies its flag over us with a helicopter, what does that tell us? That tomorrow we cannot go door-to-door [to campaign]? They have attacked us in the past. Now they are attacking us live with helicopters. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the IFP to preach against hooliganism amongst their members."
READ: Printing of ballots already underway: IEC
IFP Treasurer General Narend Singh says the party scheduled the chopper flights almost a year ago.
He has called it an unfortunate coincidence.
"There was nothing intentional about it. There are different towns in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng that have been earmarked for the helicopter with our banner to fly over. I think it is quite coincidental that the helicopter was flying over Ulundi and Melmoth on the way to Richards Bay on that day. It was in no way intended. But I suppose if the matter goes to the IEC and we are asked to respond we will respond accordingly."
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