Last week, African Nation Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP), Boy Mamabolo threatened to shoot Sunday World reporter, Ngwako Malatji after the journalist investigated an incident involving the MP.
Sonke is disgusted by the threats made Mr. Mamabolo and the precedence they set. Especially with the recent crime statistics indicating that there was an increase in violent crime, including murders between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.
A few months ago, Mr. Mamabolo who is a public representative was at the centre of a disturbing display of toxic masculinity in parliament that included the shocking politicisation of gender-based violence (GBV). Mr. Mamabolo has once again displayed unparliamentary behavior and conduct that demonstrates poor leadership qualities.
Mr. Mamabolo’s reckless utterances are unacceptable and mock key principles of our constitution that make detailed provisions with regard to freedom of expression which includes freedom of the press and other media.
Sonke understands that Malatji has since opened a case of intimidation against Mr. Mamabolo. Sonke therefore urges the South African Police Service (SAPS) to take the threats against Mr. Malatji and media freedom in South Africa seriously.
We hope and trust that the police will move with similar speed as was indicated recently on cases that involved members of the ruling elite.
Sonke notes that the ANC has rightly condemned Mamabolo’s actions and announced that Mr. Mamabolo would be subjected to the party’s internal disciplinary processes.
It would help rebuild the public confidence in the proposed processes if Mr. Mamabolo would be suspended from all duties pending the disciplinary action.
Sonke is calling on the ANC as the ruling party to lead by example and follow through with Mr. Mamabolo’s disciplinary process speedily.
For media enquiries, please contact:
- Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, 0825784479 or Bafana@genderjustice.org.za.
- Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, 0739882870 or Given@genderjustice.org.za.
