The Eastern Cape ANC said it would institute disciplinary action against its member and MP Mandla Mandela if he was sentenced to a jail term.
On Tuesday, the Mthatha Regional Court convicted Mandla on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after Mthatha motorist Mlamli Ngudle opened a case against the grandson of former president Nelson Mandela in October 2013.
“We will have no option but to implement the constitution,” said provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane.
The provincial leadership had been shocked to learn about the Mandla's conviction, he said. “This is not something we want to see from members of the ANC.”
Mabuyane said the party would keep a close eye on the case. “The matter is still sub judice,” he said.
Mandla will hear his fate on June 3, a day after his defence presents arguments in mitigation of sentence. According to the ANC constitution, any member who receives a jail term without the option of a fine for any serious non-political offence, is guilty of misconduct and will face disciplinary action.
The South African Constitution states that a member of parliament may be ejected for five years if they have been sentenced to more than one year’s jail term without or after losing an appeal.
ANC chief whip Stone Sizani did not reply to text messages requesting comment.
DA provincial leader Athol Trollip said while Mandla’s political future depended on the outcomes of the court case, the only punishment he was likely to get away with was a slap on the wrist.
“I don’t expect the ANC to do or say anything about his case and conviction.”
Trollip made reference to the Mandela funeral scandal in which ANC leaders, including Buffalo City Metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha and BCM regional secretary Pumlani Mkolo, have been charged with fraud. “In many other instances, they are silent.”
UDM president Bantu Holomisa, who was also expelled from the ANC during Mandela’s presidency, was more neutral. He said the UDM had “noted” Mandla’s conviction but the case was not yet over. It was up to Mandla to appeal his conviction, he said.
“Nobody can give a judgment so far.”
Mandla’s attorney Billy Gundelfinger opted to play his cards close to his chest after he declined to reveal if his client would appeal Tuesday’s verdict.
“At the moment, the case is still not finished,” he said. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
ANC vows to act if Mandla given jail term
On Tuesday, the Mthatha Regional Court convicted Mandla on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after Mthatha motorist Mlamli Ngudle opened a case against the grandson of former president Nelson Mandela in October 2013.
“We will have no option but to implement the constitution,” said provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane.
The provincial leadership had been shocked to learn about the Mandla's conviction, he said. “This is not something we want to see from members of the ANC.”
Mabuyane said the party would keep a close eye on the case. “The matter is still sub judice,” he said.
Mandla will hear his fate on June 3, a day after his defence presents arguments in mitigation of sentence. According to the ANC constitution, any member who receives a jail term without the option of a fine for any serious non-political offence, is guilty of misconduct and will face disciplinary action.
The South African Constitution states that a member of parliament may be ejected for five years if they have been sentenced to more than one year’s jail term without or after losing an appeal.
ANC chief whip Stone Sizani did not reply to text messages requesting comment.
DA provincial leader Athol Trollip said while Mandla’s political future depended on the outcomes of the court case, the only punishment he was likely to get away with was a slap on the wrist.
“I don’t expect the ANC to do or say anything about his case and conviction.”
Trollip made reference to the Mandela funeral scandal in which ANC leaders, including Buffalo City Metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha and BCM regional secretary Pumlani Mkolo, have been charged with fraud. “In many other instances, they are silent.”
UDM president Bantu Holomisa, who was also expelled from the ANC during Mandela’s presidency, was more neutral. He said the UDM had “noted” Mandla’s conviction but the case was not yet over. It was up to Mandla to appeal his conviction, he said.
“Nobody can give a judgment so far.”
Mandla’s attorney Billy Gundelfinger opted to play his cards close to his chest after he declined to reveal if his client would appeal Tuesday’s verdict.
“At the moment, the case is still not finished,” he said. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
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