The African National Congress (ANC) released a letter that was drafted on May 3 suspending secretary-general Ace Magashule from his position until open cases of fraud and corruption are settled, reports News24.
The letter follows a national working committee (NWC) meeting which took place on Monday, reports IOL.
Meanwhile, Magashule took to Twitter to take his shot at President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to his own suspension:
Ace Magashule suspends Cyril Ramaphosa: "I have … in accordance with the powers vested in me as the Secretary General of the ANC, and furthermore in full compliance with the relevant conference Resolutions
summarily suspended the President of the ANC, comrade Cyril Ramaphosa."— IOL News (@IOL) May 5, 2021
Deputy sectary-general Jessie Duarte said:
“You have been indicted to appear in a court of law on charges of corruption and fraud, alternatively theft and money laundering.
“Accordingly, on the authority of the NWC, you are hereby temporarily suspended, with effect from 3 May 2021, until the final outcome of your court proceedings.
“You may not engage in the mobilisation of ANC structures, any other organisations or individuals, including on your stepping aside and matters related thereto.”
It is alleged that Magashule has refused to step aside. According to reports, he has insisted that he can only be removed by a conference of the ANC.
It has also been reported that Magashule is out on R200 000 bail. This is related to corruption, fraud and money laundering to a Free State asbestos tender.
Read the full letter here.
Many have taken to social media to voice their opinions:
Suspending #AceMagashule from the ANC is not enough, Ramaphosa and the ANC must hand over all compelling evidence at their disposal to law enforcement agencies for Ace's corrupt dealings and ensure that he is put behind bars.
Free State residents deserve justice. 🇿🇦
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) May 5, 2021
Bheki Cele warned Ace Magashule,
Where is Ace within 5 years. Haai Buffalo le Cat bana le maatla strong !!! 💪
#AceMagashule / ANCNEC pic.twitter.com/OHtVJUd3dy— A.Lincoln South Africa (@Squealer91) May 5, 2021
Ace Magashule’s access card for Luthuli house has officially been deactivated. #AceMagashule
— Goolam (@goolammv) May 5, 2021
Apartheid leader FW de Klerk welcomes suspension of #AceMagashule
Wake up people! pic.twitter.com/bB3oK9DdCN
— Kim Heller (@kimheller3) May 5, 2021
It too late ANC is down and dusted the following thing they will kill each other mark my words
— Thomas (@Thomas68354486) May 5, 2021
#AceMagashule We are within a civil war within the ANC watch the space pic.twitter.com/tDLxRHAvQd
— SkatanaSaVaal🇿🇦 🇮🇹 (@kele_tebz) May 5, 2021
Picture: Twitter