ANC to discuss case of Bekkersdal gunman
BREACH: ‘HE SHOULD NOT BE CARRYING A GUN IN ANC COLOURS’
Two reports will be presented to the provincial leadership today on the matter.
The ANC in Gauteng will today receive two reports after an investigation into the identity of a man who was brazenly carrying a firearm during a protest in Bekkersdal, Westonaria, last week.
Provincial ANC spokesperson Nkenke Kekana said the party’s chief whip in the Gauteng legislature, Brian Hlongwa, would present a report to the provincial leadership. The organisation would receive another report from its West Rand regional executive.
“We have a code of conduct in the ANC and any member is subject to it, irrespective of who they are,” Kekana said.
He would not comment on a City Press newspaper report identifying the gun-wielding man as former ANC councillor and local party leader Nelson Mdayi.
“The name does not matter; but what matters is what he was doing. Our only gripe is that if he is carrying a gun, he should not do so in ANC colours.”
“We also want to know if the firearm was licensed and what its role was there.”
Kekana would not discuss the possible action the ANC would take against the man if he was found to be a party member.
“Once the facts are on the table, we will be able to communicate our decision to the public.”
The man was snapped by a photographer of The Citizen wearing a bib in ANC colours and holding a firearm behind his back. He was one of several people, including a woman, who brazenly wielded guns during the protest in the area on Tuesday.
ANC bigwigs, who included Hlongwa, West Rand district municipality mayor Mpho Nawa, economic development MEC Eric Xayiya and co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Ntombi Mekgwe had gone to the area to campaign for the party.
Violent protests broke out in the West Rand town after residents went on a rampage and confronted ANC leaders visiting the area to carry out a door-to-door campaign as part of the party’s May election campaign drive.
Residents demanded that Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane return to the area to apologise for the “dirty votes” statement she made late last year.
Kekana said a woman who was also photographed carrying a gun in the area was the protector of the speaker of Gauteng legislature Faith Mazibuko. He said protectors were expected to protect their principals if they were attacked.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said the matter was outside the jurisdiction of the police.