Mthembu 'shooting not political'

21 October 2014 - 02:01 By Graeme Hosken and Kingdom Mabuza
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Jackson Mthembu. File photo
Jackson Mthembu. File photo
Image: Sunday Times

The ANC has warned against speculation that the shooting of its MP, Jackson Mthembu, was politically motivated.

Mthembu, chairman of the parliamentary portfolio committee on environmental affairs, was shot in the chin by a robber as he drew money from an ATM in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on Sunday night.

The attack comes as the SA Banking Risk Information Centre reported a 23% increase in ATM robberies across the country.

It is believed that Mthembu was shot as he tried to disarm the gunman.

The bullet, according to Emalahleni Private Hospital general manager Valerie Shanahan, struck him after it apparently ricocheted.

"He is incredibly fortunate. The injuries could have been far worse," she said.

ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa said: "The ANC cautions against any malicious and misleading statements made to suggest a political motive in this case and calls for those making such statements to desist from [inflaming] distrust and confusion."

Mpumalanga police spokesman Brigadier Selby Mohlala said four other men robbed three passengers in Mthembu's car of cellphones and cash.

"The motive appears to be robbery, but nothing can be ruled out," Mohlala said.

The robbers fled on foot.

Mohlala said Mthembu managed to drive himself to hospital.

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