Masualle rejects persecution claims

EASTERN Cape premier Phumulo Masualle has rubbished as scurrilous claims made against him by the ANC Youth League in the troubled Alfred Nzo region that he is using the Hawks to persecute ANC leaders who are not supporting him for a third term as ANC provincial chairman.

In a letter to the premier, the league raised concerns about the “mysterious” establishment of the Hawks national task team, which was deployed to the province last month to probe corruption in some municipalities.

They say the task team was established to eliminate ANC politicians who do not support Masualle’s quest for a third term as ANC provincial chairman.

Masualle is expected to run for re-election against incumbent provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane, who is believed to have the backing of the party in Alfred Nzo, at the provincial conference to be held in July.

The league accused Masualle of using the Hawks to pursue political persecutions of ANC leaders in the OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo regions, while turning a blind eye to corruption at Amathole, which recently resolved to throw its weight behind Masualle’s re-election as provincial chairman.

Masualle poured cold water on the accusations and dared the league to prove them in court.