The African National Congress has expressed dismay and shock at the arrest of two of their councillors in the Eastern Cape for murder.
In the latest incident, an ANC Councillor appeared before the Mbizana Magistrates Court on Monday, alongside three of his accomplices for the murder of a fellow party member.
Ward 6 Councillor, Lucky Birthwell Mbuzi from the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality is accused of masterminding the murder of 47-year-old Mduduzi Madikizela, who died in a hail of bullets after he was allegedly ambushed at his Ntshamathe Village last week.
Mbuzi is expected back in court on the 26th of April for bail.
Meanwhile, another ANC Councillor faces five counts of murder after being linked to the brutal murders of seven people, five of whom were burnt alive.
The 62-year-old ANC Councillor from the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Hluphekile Cecil Bobotyane will appear before the Lady Frere Magistrates on the 23rd of April for the hearing of his bail application.
A spokesperson for the party's Provincial Executive Committee, Loyiso Magqashela said he was disgusted that public representatives are involved in serious criminal acts.
"It is not only disgusting but also erodes the values on which the ANC is founded," he said.
Magqashela said while they welcome the arrests, the two would be instructed to immediately step aside from the responsibilities and referred to the Provincial Disciplinary Committee.
“We want to send a clear message to all the members of the ANC that the organisation will not harbour perpetrators of serious crime within its ranks and the law must take its course,” he said.
