Parliament must do more about death threats to MP Khoza – R2K
This article below was published by News24
2017-04-18 20:10
Paul Herman, News24
Cape Town – Parliament should do more about the death threats made against ANC MP Dr Makhosi Khoza during an oversight visit to an Mpumalanga hospital in March, the Right2Know Campaign said on Tuesday.
“What is highly disturbing and completely unacceptable is that SAPS can afford to abuse police resources by providing VIP protection for Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who is a private citizen, while failing to protect state officials,” the lobby group’s Busi Mtabane said.
Khoza, who is chairperson of the public service and administration portfolio committee, should have the assurance that she could conduct her oversight duties without fear.
Parliament revealed on March 29 that Khoza had received threats via telephone from an Mpumalanga hospital executive after she highlighted a number of problems at the facility.
“Almost 21 days later, there have been no arrests, no investigation and no charges have been filed against the official for his bully tactics.
“This incident highlights the deadly mafia style politics in Mpumalanga, and the impunity which allows it to flourish.”
It was a blatant disregard of basic constitutional rights, and of the ability of public officials to perform their most basic job requirements, the group said.
It called on the Mpumalanga hospital executive to face criminal charges, and for authorities to investigate the state of the hospital.
‘The nature of politics’
Khoza told News24 last week that she accepted that threats came with being a politician, especially one who wanted to do their job well.
“Unfortunately, that’s the nature of politics. You’ve got to pursue what you see is right.”
She said it was not the first time she had received a threat. She understood why people would threaten someone’s job or position within their party, but a violent threat overstepped the mark, she said.
Parliament said it would take action.
“Parliament does not take the alleged threats lightly, and a report would be made to the Speaker of the National Assembly in order for the institution to determine an appropriate course of action,” it said at the time.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo was not immediately available for comment.
