'Heads must roll': IFP blasts death threats against KZN Premier Ntuli

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in KwaZulu-Natal has condemned “vile and dangerous death threats” directed at Premier Thami Ntuli, which are circulating openly on social media and explicitly calling for his death.

The party described the threats as “a reckless incitement to violence and a direct attack on democratic governance.”

IFP Chief Whip in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and IFP National Chairperson Blessed Gwala said it was deeply concerning that the threats had emerged at a time when Premier Ntuli was receiving widespread praise across South Africa for KwaZulu-Natal’s achievement of first place nationally in the matric results.

“This performance reflects decisive leadership, accountability, and a commitment to excellence in governance, raising serious questions about the motivation behind these threats,” the party said.

Gwala added that Ntuli had become a stumbling block for those with “an insatiable appetite for embezzling public funds under the guise of service delivery,” and that his firm stance against corruption and maladministration had made him a target.

“We firmly believe that the only so-called ‘sin’ of the Honourable Premier is that he is a hardworking leader who delivers results and upholds integrity,” the IFP said.

The party stressed that threats of this nature are not political statements or expressions of opinion, but criminal acts.

“Any individual who issues or amplifies death threats against an elected leader must know that they will be identified, investigated, and held fully accountable under the law.

''There will be zero tolerance for political intimidation or calls for violence in a constitutional democracy,” he said. 

The IFP said it would not accept complacency or silence, warning that these threats placed the life of the Premier at risk and undermined the rule of law.

The party called for “an urgent, impartial, and comprehensive investigation by the relevant law enforcement and security authorities.”

Gwala confirmed that the IFP had opened a criminal case and would also conduct its own investigation to ensure the matter received the attention it deserved .

“Heads must roll in this matter. The Premier must receive the highest level of protection from the State.”

The party further warned that those responsible must be found and made to answer for their actions, including revealing “who instructed, encouraged, or supported these dangerous utterances.”

“There must be real consequences. The Honourable Premier will not be intimidated, and political violence will not be allowed to take root in KwaZulu-Natal,” the IFP said.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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