A damning WhatsApp conversation has revealed an alleged conspiracy by two cabinet ministers and a senior National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) official to bring perjury charges against Deputy President Paul Mashatile, according to a Sunday World investigation. The leaked messages suggest a coordinated effort to weaponize the justice system against South Africa’s second-highest officeholder, potentially igniting a political firestorm within the ANC.
The explosive chats show the unnamed ministers pressuring the NPA official to pursue charges stemming from a case filed by disgruntled ANC members in the North West. “Please proceed with the prosecution,” one minister reportedly instructed, while another forwarded a message implying approval from “top leadership.” The NPA official expressed unease, acknowledging the rarity of prosecuting a sitting deputy president, but ultimately agreed to advance the case.
Key Revelations from the Leak:
- Political Meddling:Â The messages suggest high-level interference in prosecutorial independence, with ministers seemingly directing legal action.
- Leadership Endorsement:Â A forwarded message claimed senior government figures were briefed and supportive, though its origin remains unclear.
- NPA Hesitation: The official’s reluctance—”it’s not often that you get to charge a deputy president”—hints at the unprecedented nature of the move.
Political Fallout Looms
The leak threatens to deepen factional rifts in the ANC, where Mashatile is seen as a key figure in the battle for influence ahead of the 2024 elections. Legal experts warn that if verified, the plot could constitute abuse of power, with potential ramifications for the implicated ministers and NPA official.
Silence from Key Players
Mashatile’s office, the accused ministers, and the NPA have yet to respond. However, the scandal has already sparked outrage, with critics decrying it as a blatant attempt to manipulate the judiciary for political gain.
Why It Matters:
- Rule of Law at Risk:Â The alleged scheme undermines public trust in legal institutions.
- ANC Power Struggle:Â The timing suggests internal maneuvering as factions jockey for control.
- Precedent Setting:Â Targeting a deputy president could escalate political warfare within government.
As the ANC grapples with the fallout, all eyes are on whether the implicated officials will break their silence—and whether this leak will trigger broader investigations into state capture-style interference.
