ANC figure implicated in Mpumalanga murders must be forced to stand down

The senior ANC figure, implicated in today's Sunday Times newspaper in a series of killings over FIFA World Cup tender disputes in Mpumalanga, must be forced to stand down by the ANC leadership (see here).

The identity of the individual in question, who has been implicated in these murders, is well known to politicians on both sides of the aisle. His identity was not revealed in today's Sunday Times, however the ANC cannot allow such an individual to carry on within his very senior role in government, and must be forced to step aside over this matter.

His failure to step aside, or the ANC's failure to force him to stand down until his name has been cleared, would be untenable.

On 20 January 2010, the DA submitted a range of questions to the MEC for Safety and Security, Sibongile Manana, requesting her to provide details on the investigations of the deceased referred to in the article. It has also been reported that as a result, the MEC has requested the Provincial Police Commissioner Thulani Ntobela to investigate the rumours of an alleged hit list and that a Provincial Security Task Force has been established.

The Sunday Times today also reveals that the ANC government was not only apparently aware of the contract killings that were allegedly negotiated by a top ANC official in Mpumalanga, but also sent a task team to investigate. But it is unclear to what degree the ANC has cooperated with the police, or handed over information that may be in their possession. The ANC must pledge to reveal all information at their disposal on this matter.

Statement issued by Anthony Benadie, MPL, Democratic Alliance leader in Mpumalanga, February 7 2010

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