The Activists and Citizens Forum has dismissed reports of an alleged assassination attempt on Deputy President Paul Mashatile as a fabricated story designed to stir political sympathy ahead of the African National Congress’s (ANC) 2027 National Conference.
Over the weekend, claims emerged that Mashatile’s official vehicle had been fired upon, with four bullets reportedly hitting the windscreen. However, the Forum argues the incident lacks credibility, pointing to the ANC’s silence as evidence that the story may have been manufactured.
“If this had truly happened, the ANC and national security forces would have reacted strongly,” said Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem. “Instead, there’s been complete silence, which leads us to believe this is a cooked-up story aimed at winning sympathy.”
The controversy intensified following comments by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, who confirmed the party had received no detailed report from Mashatile’s office regarding the incident.
In response to growing speculation that the alleged attack is linked to internal ANC power dynamics ahead of the 2027 conference, ANC Treasurer-General Dr Gwen Ramokgopa urged calm. Speaking at the ANC’s Northern Cape Provincial Conference, she rejected the political link and emphasized the need for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the matter.
“These are serious allegations and must be handled by the appropriate authorities,” Ramokgopa stated.
The incident continues to raise questions within political circles, with calls mounting for clarity and accountability from both Mashatile’s office and the country’s security agencies.