ActionSA has raised concerns after a group of its activists came under fire while campaigning in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, hours after the party carried out anti-drug operations in the area.
According to the party's leader, Herman Mashaba, shots were fired from a vehicle near the activists, forcing the group to seek safety. No injuries were reported.
“Thankfully, despite multiple shots being fired, none of our activists were injured. They are receiving the necessary support from the party, and our engagements with the police are focused on ensuring the swift tracking down of the thugs who sought to harm our members,” Mashaba said.
The party believes the incident may be linked to the raid led by its mayoral candidate in Ekurhuleni, Cllr Xolani Khumalo, targeting alleged drug dealers and criminal networks in the community.
“As we have informed the police, based on the testimony of our activists who were present when the shots were fired, this was more than likely an act of intimidation or retaliation by the same criminals impacted by yesterday’s raids,” Mashaba added.
Mashaba, who accompanied activists to the Etwatwa police station to open a case, said the party will not be intimidated.
“There is just no way that we as South Africans can really be intimidated by people going around shooting,” he said.
ActionSA says it remains resolute in its campaign efforts in Ward 109 ahead of the December by-election.
“As we continue our campaign, our fight against those who terrorise communities and to bring safety, accountability and dignity back to residents abandoned for far too long is stronger than ever,” Mashaba said.
Khumalo also reiterated the party’s stance against drug-related crime in the city.
“The Gauteng Anti-Crime Unit took action in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, targeting drug dealers and community terrorisers. Crushing the drug syndicate is a top priority, with a goal of making Ekurhuleni drug-free,” he said.
Khumalo has been publicly sharing videos of his operations, including recent confrontations with illegal mining suspects, as the party continues its crime-focused campaign in the metro.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star