South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday told a South African provincial agriculture minister Mandla Msibi from Mpumalanga, who handed himself over to the police on alleged two murder charges, to “step aside” till his case has been dealt with by the courts.
Ramaphosa said the party’s policy was clear on its members who still needed to answer to the courts.
“We have quite a straightforward rule. You’ve got to step aside from the position that you occupy, and you’ve got to be answerable to the integrity commission,” Ramaphosa said.
He added: “So, whatever and whoever it is, has to comply with the rules, conventions, and the protocols of the African National Congress in this regard.”
Msibi, aged 45, was also fired by his boss in the provincial government, Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who made the announcement at a media briefing on Wednesday.
National police spokesperson Vish Naidoo confirmed that Msibi was facing two counts of murder and one of attempted murder for the alleged gunning down of three men on 22 August in Nelspruit in the province.
He is the third person arrested in connection with the case, Naidoo said.
Naidoo said the accused handed himself to the police and would appear in court for bail hearing on Wednesday.
NM/jn/APA