ANC says Oupa Mogotsi's ANC membership has expired, as Madlanga Commission hears disturbing testimony

The African National Congress (ANC) on Friday moved to unequivocally distance itself from organised criminal activity, confirming that Oupa Brown Mogotsi, is no longer an ANC member.

The party said it noted that certain individuals, including Mogotsi, had been alleged to be involved in serious organised criminal activity.

This comes as testimony before the Madlanga Commission links Mogotsi to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who have been implicated in corruption, political interference and malfeasance within the South African Police Service (Saps), which the country was originally alerted to when Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi went public with allegations.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the allegations against Mogotsi were "deeply concerning".

Bhengu noted that the party's membership records confirmed that his ANC membership had expired.

She stated that crime and corruption were the enemies of development and democracy.

"…they corrode the very values for which generations of South Africans [fought] in the struggle for freedom. The ANC will not allow its name to be associated with those who betray the principles of our movement for personal gain," she said.

Bhengu promised that the ANC would act firmly and "without hesitation" against any of its members found to be involved in criminal activity.

"Cases will be referred to the Integrity Commission and, where warranted, to the ANC's disciplinary structures in line with Rule 25. They will also be reported to law enforcement, because no one is above the law," she said.

On Thursday, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said no ANC member implicated in corrupt activities, or appearing in court, would be supported by other party members.

"The ANC's position is unmistakable. We will never defend corruption; we will expose it, confront it, and defeat it. Those who commit acts of corruption cannot hide behind the ANC, cannot drag our name into their crimes, and cannot claim legitimacy from the movement," he said.

He said renewal meant drawing a line.

"…those on the side of corruption place themselves outside the ANC," he added.

Bhengu said any individual implicated in criminal activity applying for ANC membership, would be processed strictly in terms of the ANC constitution.

ANC membership comes with "solemn duties", she said, noting that it required members to be disciplined and to "behave honestly".

Meanwhile, the ANC welcomed the voluntary decision by National Executive Committee (NEC) member Thabang Makwetla, to step aside from his responsibilities following his appearance at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes court.

In a statement Bhengu said in line with the ANC constitution and the resolutions of the fifty-fifth ANC National Conference, Makwetla had acted with "exemplary discipline and political maturity" by stepping aside without being directed to do so.

"…this includes relinquishing his roles as chairperson of the NEC Subcommittee on Peace and Stability as well as Convener of Deployees in the Limpopo province," she said.

Makwetla was arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. He faces charges related to the contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and fraud.

The ANC reiterated that all comrades were presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Bhengu explained that the step-aside rule was not a declaration of guilt, but a measure to safeguard the ANC's standing.

The organisation thanked Makwetla for his "leadership and discipline" in deciding to step aside.

"…his decision strengthens the collective efforts of the ANC to restore public confidence, uphold accountability, and demonstrate that no individual is above the organisation," said Bhengu.