Issued by African National Congress
19 January 2004
The African National Congress condemns in the strongest possible terms the apparently politically-motivated violence which claimed the life of one person and the injury of another in Durban yesterday (18 January).
The ANC welcomes the swift arrest of suspects in that incident, and calls on the security forces to make every necessary effort to curb instances of violence and intimidation by the small minority of people who have yet to embrace the basic principles of democratic campaigning.
There can be no place in a democratic South Africa for political intimidation or violence. All parties need to work together with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to prevent such behaviour. Those responsible for such acts should face the full force of the law.
The ANC once more reaffirms its commitment to an election free of intimidation or violence, and pledges to act against any member found guilty of such acts. It urges all parties to make a similar undertaking.
The weekend's incidents may be the isolated actions of a misguided few. It is nevertheless critical that all parties and stakeholders act now to prevent this from happening again in the 2004 election campaign.
More information: Smuts Ngonyama 082 569 2061