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'Arrest the people threatening ANC MP Makhosi Khoza' - Petition

Dr. Makhosi Khoza speaks during the National Assembly debate. Gallo Images / Beeld / Lulama Zenzile
Dr. Makhosi Khoza speaks during the National Assembly debate. Gallo Images / Beeld / Lulama Zenzile

A Johannesburg woman has signed up 568 people to support African National Congress MP Makhosi Khoza‚ who has reported receiving death threats after she publicly supported a secret ballot in the proposed parliamentary vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma.

The petition comes as Khoza this week hit out at the KwaZulu-Natal regional ANC leadership for wanting to bring disciplinary measures against her‚ saying she had crossed a line by calling Zuma dishonourable and a disgrace at a Mandela Day event on Tuesday. She has also been engaged in a spat with Police Minister Fikile Mbalula‚ who claims she is refusing to meet police investigators over the threats and that there is no proof of a threat being made against her daughter.

The petition‚ titled “Protect ANC MP Makhosi Khoza and arrest the people threatening her”‚ was started by Mary-Ann Dummer. It will be delivered to the President’s office‚ Minister of Police Fikile Mabula and ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu once it has received the desired 1‚000 signatures on change.org.

Dummer referenced a decision of the Constitutional Court on June 22 which stated that MPs‚ whether by secret ballot or not‚ should vote in the motion in accordance with their oaths taken in Parliament to their allegiance to the Constitution of South Africa‚ and not to their political parties.

There is no threat against Makhosi Khoza's daughter, says Mbalula

“Dr Makhosi Khoza of the ANC has publically stated her intention to conduct herself within the parameters of her constitutional right of law. For this‚ she has come under attack….

“We the undersigned citizens of South Africa demand the following:

- That President Jacob Zuma publicly denounce the threats on Makhosi Khozi;

- That Police Minister Fikile Mabula immediately place her under State Protection;

- That Minister Fikile Mabula investigate these SMS threats immediately and arrest the person(s) who sent them;

- That ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu publicly denounce his statements of ill-discipline against ANC MP Makhosi as this adds fuel to those threatening first degree murder on her — and is in direct contravention of the Concourt ruling on Parliamentary voting obligations.”

Fellow citizens who signed the petition have shared their support of Khoza.

Go cleanse yourself‚ Khoza tells ANC KZN

“Nobody deserves to be threatened for holding a particular view‚” said Zakhele Ngubane from Durban.

Nobuntu Mfenguza shared this view‚ commenting “We live in democratic country. No one should receive threats for publicly saying what she believes in”.

“I support her views and believe she needs to be protected‚” said Xolani Gaya from Kimberley.

“I support Dr Khoza’s stand against corruption‚” Erna Harmse wrote.

Nonkanyiso Mgayi from Knysna posted‚ “I am signing because lies can’t be protected” while Lucia Msimango shared “I’m in support of Dr M Khoza for speaking out against the oppression she faces within her own party. I’m in support of no confidence against Zuma”.

Lilian du Plessis from Durban sounded despairing‚ stating: “I’m sick and tired of this looting of our money”.

Khoza‚ on her Facebook page‚ has announced she is standing firm in her loyalty to the ANC despite criticism of her stance.

“It has come to my attention that my KZN PEC wants to charge me. I have been trying to rest but now it is not the time for me to retreat.

“I remain loyal to the mission of the ANC and not the Johnny come late who do not care about the people but their own pockets. I’m disciplined and am trying to fix the image and save the ANC mission which is being molested publicly. Are we together? Respectfully my comrades.”

This week Parliament said that it would‚ together with police‚ provide protection to Khoza.

On Thursday‚ Mbalula said in a statement he took the security of elected public representatives and ordinary people as a very serious matter.

“...This democracy could evaporate in seconds if elected political leaders are constantly harassed‚ threatened or killed.

“Our mandate in this regard is therefore to be seen in two; that is the protection of all persons and the protection of our democracy itself.”

Mbalula said he had managed the risk to Khoza at an operational level‚ out of the public glare.

“Political disagreements must never lead to harm and loss of life or injury.

“I assure South Africans that no matter your race‚ creed‚ religion or social strata‚ where there exist a real threat to life‚ SAPS will treat the matter very seriously. No political disagreements enter the space of SAPS operations.”

LINK TO THE SMS THREATS HERE

 

 

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