ANC: Report didn't finger IFP

2008-05-15 15:29

Johannesburg - The ANC leadership in Alexandra said on Thursday that the report it handed to the Mayor of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo, did not finger any political party as reported in the media.

Spokesperson Sizakele Nkosi said the report instead indicated that there was a rumour that the xenophobic attacks started near hostels that were a stronghold of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

"It can't be that the IFP is behind these attacks, rather criminal elements are."

"Since the outbreak of the attacks we have been in constant communication with the IFP and all other parties," Nkosi said.

The ANC leadership in Alexandra handed in a report on the violent attacks that have gripped the township since Sunday, to Masondo and the provincial leadership.

On Sunday, residents of Alexandra went on a rampage vandalising property they believed belonged to foreign nationals.

Two people died as a result and scores of others were left homeless.

IFP chairperson in Johannesburg Nhlanhla Msimango said they were aware that some people in the area had fingered their party.

"Pointing fingers at each other won't help, leaders need to go and address the people collectively."

"The IFP is against these attacks, they are wrong."

At a meeting attended by political parties on Tuesday, the IFP denounced the attacks and pledged its commitment to condemning xenophobia.

Msimango said Alexandra leadership was aware that the situation had been hijacked by young boys who were robbing people.

- SAPA