Johannesburg -
The gun carried by ANC member Nelson Mdayi when the ruling party visited the troubled Bekkersdal township last week is a licensed firearm.
Gauteng provincial police confirmed on Tuesday that the gun was licensed and that investigations into the matter were continuing.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said investigations into the matter had already started despite the DA opening criminal charges against the man.
The DA met with the Bekkersdal Concerned Residents Association on Tuesday morning to open joint criminal cases of contravention of the Firearms Control Act against Mdayi and the ANC.
Gauteng DA premier candidate Mmusi Maimane and Khethani Boniswa, of the residents’ association, walked into Bekkersdal police station just after 11am, supported by DA members and local residents.
“We want the law to take its role into this matter. We will follow this matter until we find justice,” said Boniswa.
He further added that it was the ANC’s responsibility to ensure that Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane apologised to the community.
Speaking outside the police station, Maimane said no political party had the right to campaign or force residents to vote for them using guns.
“It is totally unacceptable. We refuse to accept this kind of situation where the ANC come with their members armed to campaign. It is a clear indication that people will be ruled by criminals,” said Maimane, adding that the DA wanted those responsible arrested.
Mdayi, who was wearing an ANC bib, was seen with the gun during last week’s violent confrontation between Gauteng ANC bigwigs and protesting Bekkersdal residents.
On Thursday, tensions boiled over as Gauteng MECs Ntombi Mekgwe and Eric Xayiya, ANC chief whip in the legislature Brian Hlongwa and West Rand district municipality mayor Mpho Nawa arrived in the troubled township to conduct a door-to-door campaign ahead of the elections in May.
Chaos broke out when the VIP protectors fired shots at residents, who were pelting the entourage with stones.
Mdayi was captured on camera facing the residents, holding a gun behind him.
On Monday, in a statement, the ANC said it would institute disciplinary action against Mdayi “for bringing the organisation into disrepute by carrying a firearm while on the campaign trail”.
His conduct had been referred to the provincial integrity committee, whose report would be released to the leadership as soon as possible.
The Star