ActionSA asks for its MP to be protected after alleged threats from Gayton McKenzie

ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba. Picture: Michel Bega ActionSA leader Herman Mashaha, says his party will write to the speaker of parliament to demand protection for Dereleen James, an MP that is part of the ad hoc committee’s investigations into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This comes after Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie allegedly made a threat on Facebook Live over the weekend against James and another MP who serves on the ad hoc committee.

McKenzie’s remarks come after a letter presented as evidence at the ad hoc committee suggested that the PA leader could be involved with drug cartels. He denied this, saying that he is a legitimate businessman and would not involve himself with drugs. He also expressed disappointment in Mkhwanazi, who brought the letter to parliament.

“Let Dereleen and Kurt have a good time with my name, a very good time. Let them have a good time with my name, its okay, the path is long. I am 24-7 with security, outside my house now there is security, so I want to put it out now, you see I do not come sideways.

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I know who is behind Kurt. It’s fire. James has asked tough questions in the ad hoc committee and has become known as one of the most engaging MPs in the committee.

It is unclear who the other person McKenzie mentioned is. Mashaba toldThe Citizenon Monday that James’ security is under threat. “We will write to the speaker of parliament so that she does a risk security assessment since James has been doing her work as part of the ad hoc committee investigating claims of corruption.

What did the minister mean in his comments that is a threat,” he said. Mashaba said the party will also lay intimidation charges against McKenzie. “His behaviour is unbecoming of a minister and I cannot believe that he would make such utterances.

Those comments that James made were made during parliamentary processes and she had the right to ask questions,” he said. Mashaba said ActionSA is“very concerned” about Jame’s safety.

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