Kidnapping of MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe raises urgent security concerns for South African lawmakers

Last week's kidnapping of an MK Party Member of Parliament brought to light growing concerns for the safety of lawmakers and others who hold public office positions.

With MPs and those in oversight roles increasingly on the receiving end of threats and acts of intimidation, Parliament has made an appeal for the security risks to be addressed.

MP Vusi Shongwe, who is a member of Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee, was kidnapped along with another passenger in the vehicle he was travelling in Tembisa, Gauteng, on November 26.

Parliament has expressed concern over the rising incidents of threats and intimidation directed at Members of Parliament (MPs) in the course of their duties, calling for urgent action to address these growing security risks.

Moloto Mothapo, Parliamentary spokesperson, stated that while MPs have taken steps to report threats to the South African Police Service (SAPS), decisive action is needed to ensure the safety of parliamentarians.

“Parliament is aware of, and supports, the steps taken by Members who have reported these matters to their local police stations. We trust that the South African Police Service will investigate and address these cases expeditiously,” Mothapo said.

Colleen Makhubele, chief whip of the MK Party, formally raised concerns about the security of the Ad Hoc Committee’s members in a letter directed to Parliament's Speaker Thoko Didiza.

Makhubele stated that the kidnapping of Shongwe, an alternate member of the Ad Hoc Committee, was a "grave" incident that highlighted the need for immediate action to enhance safety protocols for parliamentarians.

She wrote: “During this incident, the kidnappers confiscated all three of his (Shongwe's) phones, issued threats, and coerced him into paying a substantial sum of money.”

She noted that the incident was reported at the Tembisa Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.

The chief whip called on Parliament's administration to take urgent action to mitigate any further risks, stating that “any further delays or failure to address these threats not only endangers our members but also exposes Parliament to potential legal and financial consequences.”

Mothapo added that Parliament relies on the security services to assess threats and conduct investigations, ensuring that they will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“Where necessary, the Secretary to Parliament will engage the National Commissioner for updates and to ensure that these matters receive appropriate attention,” Mothapo concluded.

DAILY NEWS