Mpumalanga Premier axes murder-accused MEC Mandla Msibi

Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has fired her embattled Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs MEC Mandla Msibi, in the wake of his arrest for murder.

Mtshweni-Tsipane says Msibi’s removal from office is with immediate effect. In the meantime, she has appointed Cogta MEC Busisiwe Shiba to act in Msibi’s position.

Msibi was arrested on Monday, 11 October and later appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder in relation to an incident back in August, during which two people were fatally shot while one victim sustained injuries.

Mpumalanga premier on Mandla Msibi’s firing

Further justifying her decision to axe Mandla Msibi, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane says this was in consideration of the serious charges that he is facing and the effect the matter will have in his work in office.

“I wish to take this opportunity and announce that I have decided, after consultation with the ANC leadership in the province, to release MEC Msibi, who was responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, from his position in the provincial executive council with immediate effect,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.

She says after all, Msibi would be expected to take some time and deal with the case.

“Mandla Msibi is a comrade of mine, whom I have known and worked with over many years. I hold him in very high regard and shall continue to so do until proven otherwise. In this regard, I can only hope that this unfortunate event will afford him the opportunity to reflect deeply”

Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane

Msibi returns to court on Wednesday to continue his application for bail.