Cape Town – The EFF has raised concerns over the lack of public disclosure by the Presidency regarding an alleged assassination attempt on Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Mashatile narrowly escaped harm after his convoy was fired upon while en route from an ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng – an incident that remained concealed from the public for nearly three weeks.
Bullets struck his official vehicle three times on the N12 highway, though he was unharmed.
The EFF called the incident a “threat to national security” and criticised the silence from both the Presidency and state security agencies, suggesting that the cover-up may be linked to ANC factionalism.
“In times of such gravity, transparency is paramount. The public has the right to be informed about threats to national leaders, irrespective of political affiliations,” it said.
The EFF’s Statement on the Reported Shooting Accident involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile
-What is equally troubling is the silence from the Presidency and state security agencies regarding the details of this incident. In times of such gravity, transparency is paramount.… pic.twitter.com/nJcBsZbjmU
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 21, 2025
“While internal dynamics within the ANC may be complex due to extreme factionalism, the safety and security of our nation’s leadership transcend partisan lines. We, therefore urge the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding this incident and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The South African Communist Party (SACP) also condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on the country’s democratic institutions.
Both parties urged authorities to ensure transparency, investigate the incident thoroughly, and bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, Mashatile himself has downplayed the recent shooting incident involving his convoy, initially mistaking the sound of gunfire for stones hitting the vehicle.
‘Let’s focus on work’
It was only after his security detail inspected the bulletproof windscreen that they realised it had been struck by bullets.
Speaking during a visit to the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, Mashatile confirmed that police are investigating the matter but emphasised that there is no need for public concern.
“Let’s focus on work,” he said, choosing not to speculate on the motive behind the attack, according to IOL.
Mashatile added, “You must have heard that the police are investigating. What happened is that as I was driving from the NEC, my car was hit by what initially I thought were stones. When we got home, the protectors said the impact was too much, and they wanted to take it for checking because you know a bulletproof windscreen is too strong to be damaged.”
‘Quite strong to be damaged’
According to The Citizen, Mashatile reassured the public, emphasising the strength of his vehicle’s bulletproof windscreen and his own security.
“The bulletproof windscreen is quite strong to be damaged,” he said, adding, “I’m properly protected so [there’s] nothing to worry about.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
