South Africa

Maskless Premier: EFF Joins the Fray, Lays Charges Amid Continued Saga

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 9:45 AM by Samantha Riddle

- The Economic Freedom Fighters have opened a case against Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane

- The Mpumalanga branch of the party wants the Premier to be charged with failure to wear a mask in public

- This comes after the Premier signed an admission of guilt statement at the Vosman police station

PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane has apologised for her maskless appearance at Jackson Mtembu's funeral.

Mainstream — The EFF has announced that it has laid charges against the Premier. Image: Mpumalanga Government/ Twitter
Source: UGC

However, the Mpumalanga branch of the Economic Freedom Fighters has opened a case against the ANC politician.

The Red Berets want the Premier to be charged with failure to wear a mask in public over the incident.

Provincial EFF leader Collen Sedibe has made it clear that the Premier's apology has been rejected:

“We have opened a case against the Premier for contravening the COVID-19 regulations and mandatory protocol because she was seen in public without wearing a mask during the funeral of Mr Jackson Mthembu in eMalahleni."

Read also

Zuma at centre of ex-ministers testimony on State Security Agency

Sedibe says that the Premier's leadership position in the provincial Covid-19 council has made the situation more concerning:

"We did so because the Premier is the Chairperson of the Provincial Coronavirus Command Council and she must lead by example and convey the message to the public of Mpumalanga so that all of us comply with the laws and ensure that we curb the spread of the coronavirus.”

While the EFF is clearly unimpressed with the apology, ANC National Spokesperson Pule Mabe says that the party is encouraged by it.

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the Office of the Premier has released a statement listing the action that Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane has taken after her mask scandal.

The Premier confirmed that she has submitted a 'statement of guilt' at the Vosman Police Station in Emalahleni in response to the immense backlash.

In addition to this, Mtsweni-Tsipane has purchased 1 000 face masks and taken the time to reflect deeply on her 'momentary lapse' which she insists she deeply regrets: