Johannesburg - The ANC on Monday cautioned those who claimed that the shooting of party MP Jackson Mthembu was politically motivated.
“The ANC cautions against any malicious and misleading statements being made to suggest a political motive in this case and calls on those making such statements to desist from flaming distrust and confusion,” spokesman Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.
“Criminality of any form and against any individual should never be tolerated and those involved must be brought to book.”
Mpumalanga police said Mthembu was shot in the face while he was withdrawing money at an ATM on Mandela Street in Witbank on Sunday.
Mthembu was using an Absa ATM when an armed man approached him, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.
“The suspect came from behind and pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to draw all his money from his account.
“Mr Mthembu turned around and unfortunately a shot went off and hit him in the cheek.”
Mohlala said the armed man and three alleged accomplices went to Mthembu's car. Four of Mthembu's friends were waiting in the car. They allegedly robbed Mthembu and his friends of their money and cellphones.
“Mr Mthembu was rushed to the Witbank hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition,” Mohlala said.
Earlier, a family member told the Citizen newspaper: “It is not clear how many times he was shot, but he is in hospital as we speak. I think the shooting was politically motivated.”
The Congress of SA Trade Unions expressed shock at the news of Mthembu's shooting.
"Cosatu demands that the SAPS [SA Police Service] do everything in their power to find and arrest those responsible for this outrage and bring them to justice as quickly as possible."
The ANC and the Chief Whip's office wished Mthembu a speedy recovery.
Kodwa said the party had been in contact with Mthembu, who he said was in good spirits.
Chief Whip spokesman Moloto Mothapo expressed shock on behalf of the Chief Whip at the shooting.
“We are disturbed and infuriated by this mindless and callous act of criminality and implore the police to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those savage thugs face the full might of the law,” he said in a statement.
“We once again call upon all communities to partner with the police to root out criminal elements from our society as part of a collective endeavour to create a crime-free society.”
A case of armed robbery was opened.
Sapa