Councillor expelled from IFP over extortion allegations

The IFP has expelled one of the party’s King Cetshwayo District Municipality leaders,Sipho Mbatha.

Gallo Images/Darren Stewart

The IFP has expelled one of the party’s King Cetshwayo District Municipality leaders,Sipho Mbatha,over longstanding allegations of extortion.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa made the announcement on Monday morning after a meeting of national officials earlier this month.

Hlengwa said Mbatha,who served as a councillor,had been expelled in line with Section 11.10 of the party’s constitution. The section empowers the party’s national council to instantly dismiss or expel members and public representatives who violate the party’s constitution or bring the party into disrepute.

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The IFP did not give any details of the allegations against Mbatha.

In a brief statement,all Hlengwa said was:

Over a period of time,the national council received various allegations against Mr Mbatha,including but not limited to the extortion of money from individuals while purporting to act in the name of the party.

The decision was taken at the party’s national council on Monday,4 May 2026,where it was unanimously decided that Mbatha be expelled and removed as an IFP proportional representative councillor.

“Members of the public are hereby warned against the alleged scam and extortion activities associated with Mr Mbatha. Any such activities,whether past or present,were and are not sanctioned by the party,” Hlengwa said.

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