The leader of the opposition ANC in the Western Cape legislature has called for an urgent debate on allegations of a plot to assassinate the speaker, Masizole Mnqasela.
Cameron Dugmore wrote to the speaker on Tuesday.
This follows a report by the Sunday Times that the DA is investigating the source of an allegation that its Western Cape leader, Bonginkosi Madikizela, had plotted to assassinate Mnqasela.
Helen Zille, chair of the DA’s federal council, told the Sunday Times she was made aware of the allegation by Madikizela last month. Madikizela and Mnqasela are set to go head to head for the position of provincial leader in the coming days when the province elects new leadership.
Zille said the DA’s federal legal commission (FLC) has been ordered by the party’s leadership to hold another investigation into the allegation, after an initial report had insufficient information to help the federal executive (FedEx) make a decision on the matter.
Dugmore said the matter was of urgent public importance. He argued that the allegations went beyond the scope of the internal DA investigation as it affected the Western Cape legislature, threatening stability and good governance in the province.
“Such allegations are unprecedented in the history of this legislature. The fact that this allegation involves a fellow member of this house and an MEC is of great concern. MEC Madikizela is also the leader of government business and is expected to work closely with you as speaker,” he said.
He said the house also needs to establish whether legislature or government resources were being used to provide extra security, given the allegations of an assassination plot which have now been made public.
“It is my view and in the interest of the public that this matter be debated so that members can discuss the implications of these allegations for the house and the provincial government,” he said.
“This is an urgent matter as we are informed that the leadership election which appears to be at the centre of this matter is taking place this Saturday,” he added.
Dugmore requested that the debate be scheduled for November 19.
Sunday Times Daily
