The EFF said the shooting is a ‘threat to national security’, while the SACP said it was an ‘attack on the country’s democratic institutions’.
The EFF said it is concerned that the Presidency did not announce the assassination attempt on Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
According to reports, one of Mashatile’s official vehicles was hit by three bullets while he was travelling on the N12 highway from an ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng.
EFF wants transparency around Mashatile shooting
The EFF said the attack is a “threat to national security”.
It also criticised the “silence” from the Presidency and state security agencies regarding the shooting.
“In times of such gravity, transparency is paramount. The public has the right to be informed about threats to national leaders, irrespective of political affiliations,” it said.
ALSO READ: Mashatile insists he’s well protected after vehicle shooting incident
The red berets suggested the apparent concealment of the attack on Mashatile could be due to factionalism within the ANC.
“While internal dynamics within the ANC may be complex due to extreme factionalism, the safety and security of our nation’s leadership transcend partisan lines. We, therefore urge the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding this incident and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
SACP says incident is ‘direct attack on the democratic institutions of SA’
The South African Communist Party (SACP) also weighed in, condemning the attack.
“This criminal act represents not only an assault on an individual but a direct attack on the democratic institutions of our republic. Such actions are intolerable and must be met with the full force of the law,” it said.
The SACP said it is concerned that the attack on the deputy president’s convoy could represent “the degeneration of political life in our country into violence, lawlessness and bloodshed”.
It also called for law enforcement to investigate and apprehend those responsible.
“While we commend the swift response of the South African Police Service and the involvement of ballistic experts in investigating this matter, it is imperative that those responsible are identified and brought to justice promptly.”
NOW READ: Mashatile praises controversial KwaSizabantu Mission, says government seeking partnership
