Tensions in Inanda reached a boiling point on Friday as a local political turf war spiraled into a violent confrontation involving gunshots, physical assaults, and high-stakes accusations. The standoff saw supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the "amabhinca" cultural collective, led by controversial podcast personality Ngizwe Mchunu, engage in a chaotic skirmish that police struggled to contain.
The trouble began when both groups staked a claim to the same vicinity in the Durban township. Mchunu had announced plans to host an "amabhinca" cultural event at the Dube Village sports grounds, while the EFF had scheduled their local government elections launch at the JL Dube Stadium—located directly across the Curnick Ndlovu Highway.
Gunshots and Accusations
Eyewitnesses reported a scene of pure disorder as supporters from both sides began chasing one another, with gunshots ringing out across the township. High-profile EFF figures were on the ground, including MP Sibongile Khawula, KZN chairperson Mongezi Twala, and Ethekwini mayoral candidate Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi.
Mchunu, who has long positioned himself as a vocal critic of EFF leader Julius Malema, claimed his event was sanctioned by the amaqadi traditional leader, Inkosi Mqoqi Ngcobo. He alleged that the EFF attempted to sabotage his gathering by sending in "amaphara" (street-level opportunists) to disrupt the proceedings.
"I was assaulted by EFF members and my vehicle was struck," Mchunu claimed following the chaos. He asserted that a violent escalation was only narrowly avoided because his bodyguards drew their firearms in self-defense.
The EFF Hits Back
The EFF maintains that they were the victims of provocation and has subsequently opened a formal case against Mchunu for disrupting their preparations.
EFF Member of Parliament Sibongile Khawula took a combative stance against local law enforcement, demanding to know why police were hesitant to arrest Mchunu. She also publicly challenged the legitimacy of Mchunu's claims regarding traditional authority, stating she would be consulting with senior police leadership to address the situation. Khawula also notably questioned the legality of the blue lights affixed to Mchunu’s vehicle.
On social media, EFF member Mgcini Tshwaku declared that the party would not be intimidated, framing the events as part of "Operation Vula" and accusing other parties—specifically the IFP and MKP—of using Mchunu as a proxy to stifle EFF growth in KZN.
A History of Bad Blood
This incident is merely the latest chapter in the long-standing and bitter rivalry between Mchunu and the EFF. The animosity between Mchunu and Malema is well-documented, marked by high-profile court battles and vicious personal insults.
Mchunu was previously forced into an unreserved apology after hurling derogatory labels at the EFF leader, including calling him a "political devil" and a "dead snake," while making unsubstantiated corruption allegations. Despite Malema’s previous vow to steer clear of KZN, the party has been aggressively campaigning in the province, turning the region into a volatile political battleground.
As the political dust settles in Inanda, the MKP has moved to distance itself from the fray, with spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu stating, "We would be happy if they kept us out of their battle."
Police remain under pressure to maintain order as the election season heats up, with authorities currently investigating the case opened by the EFF amidst a heavy security presence in the area.
