The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned in the strongest terms the assassination attempt on its Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga. The party released a statement late Tuesday, expressing outrage and concern for Dunga’s safety and that of his family following the incident. The alleged attempt on Dunga’s life occurred earlier this week in Johannesburg. According to the EFF, armed individuals targeted the Gauteng leader in what is believed to be a politically motivated attack.
Dunga, who has been a vocal critic of corruption and poor governance in the province, is said to have narrowly escaped unharmed. Further details surrounding the incident remain under investigation by law enforcement authorities. The EFF, led by its Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, has called for swift justice and an immediate, thorough investigation into the matter. In its statement, the party underscored that any threats or acts of violence against its leadership would not be tolerated and are seen as an attack on democracy itself. The EFF called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that political leaders are protected.
We cannot allow such violent and cowardly acts to undermine the democratic process. The assassination attempt on Commissar Dunga is a direct attack on the values of freedom and political engagement that our nation stands for, the EFF said in the statement. Malema also took to social media, expressing his support for Dunga, and reaffirmed the EFF’s commitment to fighting for justice and the protection of its leaders. He emphasized that such intimidation tactics would not deter the party from continuing its efforts to advocate for the marginalized and to challenge corruption in the province and across the country.
The assassination attempt comes at a time when political tensions are running high ahead of next year’s elections, with the EFF actively campaigning to strengthen its position in key provinces such as Gauteng. Dunga has been a central figure in the party’s provincial leadership and has been at the forefront of various campaigns against state inefficiency and socio-economic inequality. The party urged its supporters to remain calm and vigilant while the investigation unfolds, emphasizing that unity and resilience are crucial in the face of these challenges. Law enforcement agencies have not yet released an official statement on the investigation’s progress, but they have confirmed that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
