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ANC must stop talk about violence

The ACDP condemns in the strongest possible terms calls by ANC members to kill Mosiuoa Lekota, Mbhazima Shilowa and Olga Lutu.

Threats to kill people because of their political persuasion or differing opinion should not be tolerated in any democratic country.

The fact that the ANC has allowed its members to get away with talk about killing the opposition and those who do not agree with them shows that the party does not embrace democracy.

When Zanu-PF had no opposition they were assumed to be democratic and Zimbabwe was regarded as a democracy. As soon as a strong opposition arose in 1999 and they felt threatened. Then true colours of Zanu-PF emerged.

The ACDP commends Lekota for urging restraint and nonviolence in response to taunts and bullying from ANC members. We call on the public to prevent South Africa becoming another Zimbabwe by supporting a party like the ACDP that truly accepts opposition and would not tolerate talk of murdering opponents.

When I raised the issue with President Kgalema Motlanthe, he assured me that any war talk would be corrected immediately.

I will petition him to stand by his word. He must censure those guilty of what is surely criminal incitement and quite contrary to the peace we desire for prosperity.

Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, president: ACDP

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