Tshwarelo Hunter Mogakane
Pretoria - Nominations for candidates expected to stand for election in the top structures of the ANC in December have resulted in a fatal shooting during a branch general meeting in Mpumalanga.
In the midst of the commotion that left residents reeling at Ward 21 in Kanyamazane township outside Mbombela on Sunday is an allegation that police are dragging their feet in investigating acts of political intimidation meant to disrupt the ANC branch general meetings.
“We have registered a case of murder and attempted murder after two people were shot at Kanyamazane during a branch general meeting. One of the people shot succumbed to his injuries while the other one was taken to hospital for treatment,” said provincial spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala in a video clip shared on social media.
He pleaded with community members to come forward with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects. “We call upon communities that when they have meetings (they should) be tolerant of each other. If there are disagreements, resolve them amicably without firearms or weapons that (pose a danger) to others.”
However, when Mohlala was approached with media questions about the video clip, he suddenly announced he was going on study leave for a week. It took his office until 2pm to release a statement on the Kanyamazane shooting. When the statement arrived, it said nothing about a BGM shooting.
“Police in Kanyamazane are investigating a shooting which claimed one life and landed one in hospital. The shooting is said to have occurred at Kanyamazane Shopping Complex on Sunday, October 23, at around 9am,” said acting provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
Mdhluli said two victims were rushed to a local clinic, where one was declared dead; the other transferred to hospital. “Circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting are under investigation. No arrest has been made as yet.”
Asked why his statement did not mention that the shooting took place during an ANC meeting, Mdhluli said: “From the police side, the report indicates that the shooting occurred at a shopping complex. With regard to the ANC branch general meeting, I’d advise you contact the ANC for comment.”
Mdhluli was also asked to clarify allegations of a truck driver who delivers instigators to intimidate ANC members during BGMs around Mbombela. “The police still urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact police and furnish such details,” he said.
However, ANC leader of campaigns in the Ehlanzeni region, Million Makaringe, said police could easily make arrests in the shooting and other cases of intimidation. “They know the person who is sending hooligans to disrupt branches. This is not the first ward. I am told they did the same at Ward 29. How can the police fail to trace the owner of the truck and subsequently arrest him so he can point out the real perpetrators?” Makaringe said.
Provincial ANC spokesperson Ngelosi Ndlovu confirmed the shooting at a BGM, but said the provincial executive committee would issue a media statement once the conveners have furnished them with a report.
Pretoria News