SACP Leadership Attacked in Their Homes, Allegedly Politically Motivated

• Five leaders in the South African Communist Party have been victims of house invasions in recent days
• The leaders believe that the attacks at their homes are politically charged with some being attacked at least twice
• Robbers have demanded communication devices and electronics such as laptops, external hard drives and, in some cases, they have stolen clothes

JOHANNESBURG - Numerous leaders within the South African Communist Party are concerned for their lives and have said that they are under threat.

The leaders of the political organisation say they have been attacked in their homes and these attacks are believed to be politically-driven and charged.

Five leaders have been robbed in their homes and had their electronic devices (such as laptops, hard drives and USB sticks) demanded by thieves. They also state other items, such as clothes, have been stolen from them, according to SABC News.

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SACP's Media and Communications representative Alex Mashilo says the party believes that these attacks are politically motivated because they follow a pattern that they have noticed after having conversations with the police.

“There is evidence that we cannot for now reveal to the public but rather to the police which makes us believe that these are well-orchestrated attacks," says Mashilo.

Mashilo added that they have noticed that some of the items robbers asked for as well as the duration of the attacks and the methods of the attacks make them believe that these attacks were planned against the leadership of the party, according to a report by The Citizen.

Leaders who have been attacked include the SACP's secretary-general Blade Nzimande, national treasurer Joyce Moloi-Moropa, Alex Mashilo, who was attacked twice, first deputy secretary-general Solly Mapaila and head of organising, Mhlekwa Nxumalo.

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These attacks have taken place in various parts of the country in Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Nelspruit.

SACP's Blade Nzimande says the R350 social grant could be the foundation of the Basic Income Grant

Briefly News previously reported that secretary-general of the South African Communist Party Blade Nzimande says the country's staggering unemployment rate is indicative of the need for an economic stimulus in the form of a basic income grant.

Speaking at a media briefing over the weekend, Nzimande stated that the organisation is in support of civil society groups and NGOs for a universal basic income grant, according to a report by SABC News.

He further stated that the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant could be the preliminary start for the universal basic income grant, adding that the grant would be geared towards individuals who are unemployed or do not earn an income that is feasible for basic survival.

Source: Briefly News