As the case against a senior ANC leader nears the trial stage, his supporters say this does not warrant him stepping aside. Lusanda Sizani, facing charges related to contravening the Firearms Control Act early in 2025 after his personal 9mm gun went missing during an alleged vehicle break-in in East London, appeared in the East London magistrate’s court on Wednesday. The case was postponed to February 19 for a pre-trial conference and trial and securing a Zulu-speaking interpreter for one of the two state witnesses.
The decision of the director of public prosecutions on representations made by Sizani was also not available, the court heard during the brief appearance. Senior ANC leaders in the Chris Hani region, including Dr AB Xuma municipality mayor Siyabulela Zangqa and the Chris Hani district chief whip, speaker and municipal manager, came in their numbers to support him at court. Sizani’s positions as the Chris Hani District Municipality mayor and the region’s ANC chair both hang in the balance amid the looming court case.
It is understood that it was one of the issues discussed at a council meeting on Wednesday. ANC provincial spokesperson Yanga Zicina said: “Our understanding is that the comrade in question is the one who complained about his stolen belongings. “Our step-aside rule is concise.
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It talks to criminal offences, talks to fraud, corruption and serious crimes. “From where we are sitting, it [the charge] does not constitute grounds for the step-aside rule.” NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed on Tuesday that Sizani had already appeared in court six times previously. “The circumstances are that he handed over his firearm to be kept by his bodyguard while he attended a meeting at the ICC.
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