Durban - They were “persecuted” by the apartheid regime and now again by the “so-called” democratic government.
That’s how the family of Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head, Robert McBride, feels about his suspension.
Derrick McBride, 83, has come out in full support of his son, laying the blame on some in the government who were destroying the ANC.
His said his son could lose his job, house and even his wife “because of the decisions being made”.
Robert McBride was suspended for 60 days on Tuesday. Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko’s spokesman, Musa Zondi, said this was because of pending investigations.
Speaking to the Daily News at his Wentworth home yesterday, the father said: “All the (newcomers) are messing up this (ANC) ruling party. My concern is what information did Robert receive to make him (Nhleko) come to that conclusion,” he said.
McBride senior, who had himself become active in politics in 1942, spoke at length of how coloureds worked alongside other race groups to fight for the country’s freedom.
He said Robert was part of the unit that rescued guerrilla Gordon Webster, one of Mkhonto weSizwe’s “most effective” units.
“Robert is my son and I love him dearly. I will stand by him always, as I have done in the past,” he said. He said the suspension had tarnished the family’s reputation in Wentworth, where Robert grew up.
“He has always been vocal. Everyone has the right to speak. Everyone has their opinion. He has the courage to do so. There are very few men in the ANC that can do that.”
Robert had launched an urgent interdict in the Pretoria High Court to prevent Nhleko from suspending him.
But the court had dismissed the application, saying it was not urgent.
“We know his capabilities. He won’t sell his dignity for a slice of bread or job,” his father said.
Ipid could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
Daily News