African National Congress MP Jackson Mthembu was shot in the face while withdrawing money at an ATM in Witbank at the weekend, Mpumalanga police said on Monday.
Mthembu was using an Absa ATM on Mandela Street in the Witbank CBD on Sunday when an armed man approached him, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.
"The suspect came from behind and pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to draw all his money from his account.
"Mr Mthembu turned around and unfortunately a shot went off and hit him in the cheek."
Mohlala said the armed man and three alleged accomplices went to Mthembu's car. Four of Mthembu's friends were waiting in the car. They allegedly robbed Mthembu and his friends of their money and cellphones.
"Mr Mthembu was rushed to the Witbank hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition," Mohlala said.
'Mindless and callous act of criminality'
The ANC Chief Whip's office expressed shock on Monday at the shooting.
"We are disturbed and infuriated by this mindless and callous act of criminality and implore the police to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those savage thugs face the full might of the law," spokesman Moloto Mothapo said in a statement.
"We once again call upon all communities to partner with the police to root out criminal elements from our society as part of a collective endeavour to create a crime-free society."
A case of armed robbery was opened.
The Chief Whip's office wished Mthembu a speedy recovery.
A family member told the Citizen newspaper: "We don't know exactly what happened, but Jackson has indeed been shot, and we are deeply shocked and worried.
"It is not clear how many times he was shot, but he is in hospital as we speak. I think the shooting was politically motivated."
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