ANC PEC to discuss fate of murder-accused Mpumalanga MEC

Mpumalanga’s ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is expected to hold an urgent sitting to discuss the future of an MEC who has been arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder.

The 45-year-old man, whose identity has been withheld until he appears in the dock, is expected to make an appearance in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 12 October.

His arrest relates to an incident in August, during which two people were fatally shot while one victim sustained injuries. The MEC presented himself to authorities on Monday, accompanied by his lawyer.

Mpumalanga Premier on murder-accused MEC

Speaking to eNCA, Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane says they first have to wait until the MEC’s appearance in court before deciding on a way forward.

Mtshweni-Tsipane says they need to support the judiciary and will adhere to whatever action that needs to be taken.

“Certainly, we are receiving the information with a heavy heart, as ordinarily we would not have expected such to happen. Indeed we can confirm that a member of the executive council is being held by police, for him to appear before the local magistrate court,” she said.

Now the ANC PEC looks set remove the MEC from his post, as per the party’s step-aside policy, which the premier acknowledged. The contentious resolution states that members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes must step aside or be suspended.