IFP Youth Brigade Chief and Member of Parliament Sanele Zondo. Photo: IFP-National/X
The Inkatha Freedom Party has placed national youth brigade chief and member of parliament Sanele Zondo on special leave after his wife, who went “missing” last week, was found and accused Zondo of domestic violence.
In a media statement issued late on Wednesday night, IFP national spokesperson Mkuleko Hlengwa said Zondo, 32, had been placed on special leave from “all positions and responsibilities in the party with immediate effect until further notice”.
Hlengwa said Zondo was “expected to deal with personal and family matters” during his special leave and that relevant law enforcement agencies must address the allegations made by 28-year-old Simeniwe Dhlomo Zondo.
After Simeniwe made her allegations of abuse on Instagram, Sanele also made his own allegation that he had been “assaulted” by his wife.
Sanel took to Facebook on Monday to ask for the public's help in “locating my beloved wife,” saying she has been “missing” since Friday, August 16.
On Monday the IFP released a press statement from Sanele, who also posted it on Facebook, saying he last spoke to Ximeniwe at 11am on Friday.
“[S]He informed me that his wife was going shopping in Richards Bay, and as I was not at home when she left I cannot state what she was wearing on the occasion.
“I have not been able to contact her since that conversation and I have been receiving coded messages ever since which have made me extremely concerned for her safety.
“Her family and I are heartbroken and are asking the community to help in any way they can. We are desperately seeking information that can lead to Ms. Ximeniwe.”
“The Zondo and Dhlomo families are working closely with law enforcement and relevant government agencies to ensure all necessary steps are taken to locate Simeniwe.”
“Words cannot express how important it is to us that we find her. If you have seen her or have any information please contact your local authorities or contact us directly.”
Hlengwa said the IFP was taking the allegations of abuse “very seriously” and wanted to assure people that the issue would be treated as a priority.