‘We call upon all citizens to remain calm and allow the justice system to take its course’ – eMalahleni Municipality
EMALAHLENI – The African National Congress (ANC) says it has requested its members, Jerry Dijana and Busi Hlumbane, to step aside following their arrest on charges of bribery and corruption.
The party said it will not continue to harbour individuals accused of serious crimes within its ranks.
The pair, who are serving as Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) in the eMalahleni Local Municipality, appeared in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 17, after they were arrested by the Hawks the previous day.
According to police, Dijana, the MMC for Development Planning, and Hlumbane, the MMC for Technical Services, were caught in the act at the Witbank Dam allegedly receiving a R20 000 bribe—believed to be part of a larger R500 000 amount allegedly demanded from a victim in exchange for facilitating the extension of a lease agreement application.
The ANC, expressing disappointment and shock, said both councillors must relinquish their duties immediately.
“In this instance, we are empowered by the ANC constitution, and we are instructing these two councillors to immediately step aside from their responsibilities,” said Nkangala ANC Regional Secretary Sello Matshoga in a statement.
Matshoga further confirmed that the matter has been referred to the party’s provincial disciplinary committee.
The step-aside rule, adopted at the ANC’s 54th National Conference in 2017, requires members charged with corruption or other serious crimes to voluntarily step back from party and government duties, or face suspension.
Dijana, who was also serving as the ANC’s regional elections manager, has since been relieved of his responsibilities. “Every member of the ANC knows how to conduct themselves in line with the party’s constitution, especially when occupying public office,” Matshoga added.
The eMalahleni Municipality, following the news breakdown, released a statement calling for calm.
“We will allow the law enforcement agencies to do their work and thereafter we will communicate further. We call upon all citizens to remain calm and allow the justice system to take its course.”
Dijana and Hlumbane have been remanded in custody. Their bail hearing has been postponed to 22 April for the court to review the submitted evidence.
