By Celani Sikhakhane
- A former MKP candidate says she’s being hunted by iSikebhe after failing to win by-election.
- The community forum wants her to return the R18,600 they gave for her campaign.
Ellen Zanele Malinga, the former Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) candidate for Ward 16 in the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality, says she’s fearing for her life.
Malinga claims the community forum iSikebhe is after her because she failed to win the by-election, and now they want the R18,600 she was given for campaigning.
The money was meant to support her run in the 4 December by-election in KwaZulu-Natal’s far north. But after her defeat, things turned ugly.
A voice note sent to MKP leaders tells how serious the situation is. It says:
“Greetings, Zungu. It’s been a long time since we spoke. We have a serious crisis here in Mtubatuba. That woman who was a candidate for the MKP at Ward 16 by-elections is being haunted by those who funded the MKP programmes.
“They claim that since she was the one who was on the campaign posters, she must pay back their money. They have even sent the iSikebhe Community Forum to deal with her.”
iSikebhe is feared in the area for how it deals with people accused of crimes like stock theft.
The Mtubatuba by-election was hotly contested, with candidates from several political parties. Malinga lost to the IFP’s Senzo Eric Mkhize.
MKP leadership could not be reached for comment.
Pictured above: The posters of MKP ward 16 candidate Ellen Zanele Malinga, who is now living in fear as funders demand their money.
Image source: Umkhonto weSizwe Party
