Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-10-20

The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed shock and outrage following the shooting and robbery of Jackson Mthembu on Sunday night in Witbank.

Spokesperson for the ANC Chief Whip’s office Brigadier Selby Molalla said Thembu was using an Absa ATM on Mandela Street in the Witbank CBD on Sunday when an armed man approached him.

“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.

Mthembu is a Member of Parliament and chairperson of portfolio committee on environmental affairs.

The former national spokesman of the ANC is currently receiving medical attention at the Emalahleni private hospital’s intensive care unit in Witbank.

“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,” said the ANC in a statement.

A case of armed robbery was opened.

Last week the 35th Crime Stoppers International Conference was held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre where Head of Crime Line Yusuf Abramjee and President of Crime Stoppers International Alex MacDonald signed the Cape Town Declaration in the fight against crime.

“The declaration recommits everyone, be it law enforcement, the community, the media in the fight against crime. It’s not only a document on paper,” said Abramjee.

“We are going to put it into action; we are going to be red carding crime and we are going to be blowing the whistle on crime.”

The ruling party are calling 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.”

(Twitter: @Faizie143)