Mbalula Responds to Criticism Over Utilizing Armored G-Wagon Linked to Fraud Accused
- The ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula changed vehicles after criticism for using a G-wagon belonging to fraud-accused Anwar Khan
- Mbalula went around the township of Inanda in a luxury armoured car worth an estimated R3 million
- Anwar "Dogg" Khan faces criminal charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering
Source: Getty Images
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has changed cars following criticism over travelling in vehicles owned by celebrity bodyguards and University of Fort Hare fraud and corruption accused Anwar "Dogg" Khan.
Mbalula found himself at the centre of controversy as he campaigned in the north Durban township of Inanda, navigating the streets in an armoured Mercedes-AMG G63.
The vehicle raised eyebrows and sparked criticism amidst ongoing legal battles surrounding Khan's enterprises.
In a post on X, Mbalula was seen in a different car entourage:
The armoured Mercedes-AMG G63
Footage posted by EWN on X shows Mbalula arriving in Amaoti – a series of shacks that sits between Ntuzuma and Inanda – in the G63:
The extravagant car, sourced from Pentagon International Armouring Corporation, grabbed attention with its estimated value of nearly R3 million and its bulletproof features.
Mbalula, however, sought to distance himself from Khan and the Pentagon, asserting that the ANC managed his security details and that the vehicle was provided by a sister security company contracted to the party.
There is no association with Khan.
Despite Mbalula's denials of any association with Khan, questions lingered over the propriety of utilising a vehicle linked to someone facing severe criminal charges.
Khan, known for his work as a celebrity bodyguard, faces allegations related to a multimillion-rand kickback scheme at the University of Fort Hare, casting a shadow over his business dealings.
Mbalula missed the mark on his Inanda visit
Using such a luxurious and heavily armoured vehicle in the impoverished township of Inanda underscored broader concerns about inequality and extravagance within South African politics.
Mbalula's attempt to connect with residents, mainly by discussing the R350 basic income grant, juxtaposed starkly with the luxury of his transportation.
Responding to the growing scrutiny, Mbalula maintained that the vehicle was provided as "assistance" at no charge and emphasised that it was not armoured, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe echoed his defence, downplaying the controversy, suggesting that such vehicles were standard among party leaders and dismissing criticism as hypocritical.
The controversy comes at a critical juncture for the ANC, which seeks to maintain its dominance in KwaZulu-Natal despite challenges from rival parties.
Mbalula's presence in the region underscores the significance of the upcoming elections and the party's efforts to secure support in crucial battleground provinces.
Fikile Mbalula speaks on ANC December conference
Briefly News previously reported that Mbalula believes the ANC will emerge stronger than before from its 55th national elective conference.
He was speaking at the party's Letsema campaign in the North West when he reminded branches and ANC supporters that national conferences come and go, but what matters is that the ANC will live beyond the December conference.
The ANC national conference is set to begin on 16 December in Nasrec, where multiple parties will be vying for the top six positions in the ruling party.
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Source: Briefly News
