Ace Magashule: ‘There is a political process unfolding here’ – Niehaus
African National Congress (ANC) member Carl Niehaus has expressed his undying support for the party’s Secretary-General Ace Magashule.
The Hawks, earlier this week, confirmed that an arrest warrant had been issued for Magashule in connection with the R255 million Asbestos corruption case. Magashule is, therefore, expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday 13 November 2020.
Supporters also held a night vigil on Thursday night in Bloemfontein and are expected to gather outside the court on Friday.
‘WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THERE IS A POLITICAL PROCESS UNFOLDING HERE’ – NIEHAUS
In an interview with eNCA reporter Aviwe Mtila outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, Niehaus claimed Magashule is being politically targeted.
When asked exactly what he is referring to, Niehaus said he could not mention names but went on to say that there is a selective dealing with the issue around the arrests, the charging, the dealing with the issue of corruption.
“That has been seen by the fact that there are many other people who have been implicated in the Zondo Commission and elsewhere also with regards to monies that have been paid over to them and yet they haven’t been charged so we are convinced that there is a political process unfolding here which is selective and which is factional. That is exactly the concern that ANC members are expressing,” he said.
He went on to say that the ANC is being torn apart by factional behaviour.
“The members of the ANC who have come here today….representatives from branches, from regions and from provinces have come here with mandates from their branches and regions and the mandate is go and represent us there, make the message clear that we want unity in the ANC, that we do not want any selective targeting of our comrades and especIally not of senior members of the ANC such as a member of the national office bearers,” he added.
‘I KNOW I HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING WRONG’ – MAGASHULE
After the news of an arrest warrant broke, Enca’s Political Editor Vuyo Mvoko interviewed Magashule. He said he had not been made aware of a warrant but continued to profess his innocence.
“If it happens, it will happen, I’m not worried at all because I know I haven’t done anything wrong as a law-abiding citizen of South Africa”.
Niehaus said; MKMVA was dismayed by the warrant of arrest issued to Magashule.
“This is an extremely serious development for both the ANC [and] our whole community. MKMVA will in due course respond with a comprehensive statement,” he said.
On Thursday he tweeted again saying;
“On my way to Mangaung to support comrade Magashule tomorrow. He is my leader, friend and comrade. Loyalty is the foundation of life. I am not a fair-weather friend. I stand by my friends in good & bad times. One soldier does not leave another behind on the battlefield!”
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