The IFP has suspended a councillor in KwaZulu-Natal after he was accused of impregnating a 14-year-old girl.
Police have charged the councillor, who is currently out on R3, 000 bail.
Party spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, says they were advised of the allegations and subsequent arrest of the councillor.
âThe IFPâs National Executive Committee resolved that he should immediately be suspended from all party activities. The KZN Provincial Executive Committee and Political Oversight Committee have now been tasked with investigating the allegations and establishing all the material facts. They will report back to the NEC on Monday next week,â Hlengwa says.
He says the IFP is giving the matter the urgent and immediate attention it deserves.
ANCWL slams barbaric act
The party says it does not condone â and will not tolerate â any form of abuse, exploitation or violence against women, children, and other vulnerable people.
âThis, particularly from public representatives that have been appointed to serve in the best interests of their communities. Should these allegations prove to be true, the Councillor will face the highest possible sanction from the party and be banned from holding office in any party structures for life,â Hlengwa says.
The ANC Womenâs League has condemned the incident.
âWe are really taken aback that a community leader who is supposed to be exemplary by protecting women and children, chose to be involved in such a barbaric act,â says ANCWL provincial secretary, Nonhlanhla Gabela.
She said it was concerning that police reportedly delayed the councillorâs arrest.
âIt is very concerning that police often fail to act until pressure has to be applied on them to do their jobs. Women and children depend on the police and other law enforcement agencies to restore hope and dispense justice expeditiously in favour of victims,â Gabela adds.