INANDA, KwaZulu-Natal — A tense confrontation erupted in Inanda as supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and followers of Ngizwe Mchunu clashed ahead of the party’s highly anticipated KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Manifesto Launch. The incident has led to mutual allegations of gunfire, assault, and political provocation near the JL Dube Stadium, prompting a heavy police presence and ongoing investigations at the local police station.
The clash occurred while EFF volunteers were on the ground mobilizing community support and putting up posters for the manifesto rally scheduled for Saturday. According to the EFF, the situation escalated from a verbal altercation into a physical confrontation when Ngizwe Mchunu and his security personnel allegedly confronted the volunteers. The EFF claims that Mchunu’s bodyguards fired shots at their members, resulting in assaults and injuries.
EFF KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Leader Mongezi Twala condemned the incident, describing Mchunu as “lawless” and accusing his security detail of being “trigger-happy.” Twala stated that EFF members were forced to escort Mchunu’s vehicles to the Inanda Police Station themselves, alleging that over 50 police personnel on the scene failed to intervene despite firearms being displayed in plain view. A local EFF leader, who was present during the mobilization, confirmed that at least four party members sustained injuries ranging from scratches to more serious assaults. He noted that the party is formally opening cases against Mchunu and his security team, armed with video evidence of the altercation.
In response, Ngizwe Mchunu has firmly denied orchestrating a provocation. He characterized his gathering as a cultural heritage and prayer event, distinct from political rallies, and argued that it was the EFF supporters who initiated the hostility. However, Mchunu did admit that one of his bodyguards discharged an AK-47 rifle, claiming the action was taken in self-defense to protect him after being provoked. Mchunu emphasized that he personally called the police to the scene to ensure a responsible de-escalation, and confirmed that one of his own bodyguards is also filing a counter-case at the police station.
The confrontation is the latest flare-up in a long-standing public feud between Ngizwe Mchunu and EFF President Julius Malema, which has previously landed in the courts. Tensions were further heightened earlier this week when videos surfaced of Mchunu announcing his cultural event directly opposite the JL Dube Stadium, the long-approved venue for the EFF’s manifesto launch. The EFF has asserted that Mchunu’s event lacks municipal approval, unlike their own, which has undergone proper Section 4 meetings with local authorities.
Law enforcement has since deployed additional resources to Inanda to separate the rival groups and maintain order. Both factions are currently at the Inanda Police Station, where statements are being recorded. Provincial police are awaiting a detailed report from the local station to guide further investigation.
Despite the violence, both Twala and Mchunu have independently confirmed that their respective events will proceed as planned on Saturday. With EFF President Julius Malema expected to arrive in the province to address the manifesto launch, security and crowd safety remain the top priority for authorities as the community braces for a highly contested and volatile day.