Simenyiwe Dlomo-Zondo, wife of an Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) KwaZulu-Natal politician, has resurfaced and claimed to be safe in a secret location. She also accused her husband of abuse.
The IFP responded by placing her husband and IFP Youth Brigade (IFPYB) National Chairperson, Sanele Zondo, on’special leave’.
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, IFP National Spokesperson, said the party was glad after days of worry and anxiety to learn that Dlomo-Zondo had been found and was alive.
“The IFP has always expressed its commitment, through its policies and manifestos, to true and meaningful women’s empowerment. We have pledged our support in the fight against gender-based violence,” said Hlengwa.
“We therefore take this matter extremely seriously and wish to assure the public of our commitment to deal with this matter with the urgent priority and attention it deserves and requires.”
He stated that in light of the important revelations and claims of abuse and gender-based violence levelled against Zondo, the IFP has made the following announcements:
– Zondo is placed on special leave from all party tasks and obligations effective immediately and until further notice.
– All IFPYB affairs will be handled by the IFPYB’s national secretary’s office.
– During this time, Zondo is expected to focus on his personal and family problems.
– The IFP believes that the proper law enforcement agencies should deal with Dlomo-Zondo’s allegations.
– The IFP national executive committee (NEC) would respond to media enquiries and provide public updates as warranted.
He said that the party took the situation ‘very seriously’ and wanted to assure the public that it was committed to dealing with it with the urgency and attention it deserved and required.
On Wednesday, Dlomo-Zondo took to Instagram to share the details of the alleged abuse. She explained how her husband was reportedly emotionally and physically abusive to her.
She informed viewers that when she threatened to report him to the police, he allegedly threatened her and challenged her to do so.
