Celani Sikhakhane
The funeral of an IFP National Council member and Speaker who was murdered last month ended in chaos as IFP councillors were chased off by fellow party members.
The councillors in Amajuba District Municipality had been accused by other IFP members of being linked to the murder.
Reginald Bhekumndeni Ndima’s funeral was held on Saturday and was marked by drama from start to finish.
Soon after it began, SAPS investigators arrived in droves and arrested five suspects believed to have been involved in Ndima’s murder.
Ndima was gunned down on 28 January by unknown assailants as he was arriving at his home in Newcastle.
One source told Scrolla.Africa that Ndima was killed because of the infighting over the Amajuba water supply tender that had caused party divisions.
“There are those who insisted that the district should continue with the tender of water supply while others and Ndima were against,” the source, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
They said that this was known information, and several of the party members who were in favour of the tender were present at Ndima’s funeral.
After investigators dramatically arrested some members of this faction, those who remained were chased away by allies of Ndima.
“We are still shocked about this drama and it shows that Ndima is fighting from the grave,” another source said.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said the docket is with the political task team and she did not comment further.
IFP Provincial Chairperson Thami Ntuli told Scrolla.Africa that they were not aware of the arrests made at the funeral.
