Clamp down on political thuggery

Imagine if you are at the receiving end of a gang assault where you are hit, your phone is taken, you are threatened with a knife and hear the words, “I will shoot you. I will kill you” flung at you. What a The Herald journalist faced on Sunday outside a provincial ANC meeting at Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton can only be described as criminal. In addition, the thugs who attacked our reporter also intimidated ANC branch leaders trying to get into the meeting. Who were they? It should not be hard to discover and, then, we fervently hope the police will give this case the level of attention it deserves.

Our journalist recognised one assailant as a small business owner, part of the group of SMMEs who are looking for a larger slice of work from the municipality.

Provincial ANC boss Oscar Mabuyane noted that although the aggressors were wearing ANC T-shirts they might not be members, nor even represent the SMMEs who are at loggerheads with the authorities.

He also has apologised to the victim of the assault. Mabuyane’s condemnation is heartening, but he can do more and also ascertain if these thugs are indeed members.

Now is the time for political parties to firmly distance themselves from elements in their ranks who act like hooligans and criminals.

On the other hand, if they are part of a group representing small business owners this also has implications.

Last week hundreds of SMMEs shut down two of the city’s main administration buildings and prevented officials from reporting for work.

However, when militancy tips over into thuggery it becomes a criminal matter for the police to follow up on.

Our concern is that as the 2019 elections approach friction between political factions will increase. Tensions rise when power and patronage are threatened, affecting how tenders are given and rewards portioned out.

This is why it is vital for leaders to call members to order now.

As we know, this thuggery is not only an attack on individual journalists, it is an attempt to use anarchy and violence for political ends.