ANC condemns alleged threats against March and March co-founder
JOHANNESBURG: The African National Congress (ANC) has condemned in the strongest possible terms alleged social media remarks attributed to Sello Lemonka Gemba, an ANC Youth League (ANCYL) member in the North West Province, following alleged threats directed at March and March Movement co-founder Jacinta Mangobese-Zuma.
Gemba allegedly made the remarks on his Facebook page on Tuesday, calling on people to rape and kill Mangobese-Zuma.
The alleged utterances gained momentum on social media and prompted Mangobese-Zuma to open a case against Gemba at a Durban police station.
In a statement, the ANC distanced itself from the alleged remarks and rejected attempts by individuals to associate such conduct with the movement or use purported support for the ANC as a shield for violence.
The party said whatever disagreements, disputes or differences may exist between Gemba and Mangobese-Zuma could never justify or excuse conduct that violates the integrity and dignity of another person.
The ANC described the alleged conduct as particularly reprehensible in a society continuing to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.
The ruling party further called on the relevant law-enforcement authorities to investigate the allegations without fear, favour or prejudice.
It said where evidence establishes criminal conduct, authorities should act decisively in accordance with the law.
The ANC also stressed that social media is not a lawless space, warning that freedom of expression cannot be distorted into a licence to threaten, intimidate or incite violence.
The party’s condemnation comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media platforms to make threats and incite violence against individuals involved in political and public debates.
Mangobese-Zuma’s decision to approach the police has now placed the alleged remarks before law-enforcement authorities for investigation.
