By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 April 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted the media reports and subsequent confirmation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding an incident involving the convoy of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The former liberation movement said it welcomes the assurance by the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, that the matter is under active investigation by a high-level team, with a completed ballistics report and ongoing threat assessments by Crime Intelligence.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said these efforts affirm the seriousness with which their security agencies protect the national executive and safeguard their democratic institutions. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC is further reassured by confirmation that both the President and the Deputy President remain under the capable protection of the Presidential Protection Service, with the necessary reinforcements effected.
“We commend the Deputy President for continuing to carry out his duties with calm resolve and steadfast commitment. His poise in the face of this incident is testament to the maturity and discipline required of national leadership.
“The ANC strongly condemns any actions that seek to undermine the security of the leadership or destabilise the constitutional order. We call for calm and vigilance, and reiterate our confidence in the ongoing investigation,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said they will await its final outcome before offering any further comment.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola said he wants to assure the nation that the executive of the country, including the President and the Deputy President, are in safe hands. Masmola said Members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS), who are assigned to both the President and the Deputy President, are trained to a high level of skill and possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to avert any risk and threat.
“The resources assigned to safeguard the executive are also adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives. While it is not common practice to discuss safety and security aspects of the executive, we deem it fit to assure the country that sufficient resources are always assigned to safeguard members of the national executive.
“We confirm a shooting incident involving the Deputy President’s convoy. Following the incident, an extensive investigation was conducted and still underway with the ballistics report already concluded,” he said.
Masemola said crime intelligence is also continuing with its regular risk and threat assessment on both the President and the Deputy President. He confirmed the reinforcement of security detail to both principals and has also expressed gratitude with the manner in which members of the PPS safeguard and handle the safety of both principals.
“The incident remains under investigation with a high level team assigned to investigate this case,” said Masemola.
The Guardian 