Mr Speaker, Cope is deeply shocked and concerned about reported allegations that the provincial leadership of the KwaZulu- Natal uMkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association, MKMVA, resolved in its recent meeting to assassinate, by shooting, Cope's KZN provincial secretary, Mr Bheki Khusi of Margate.
Information reveals that Mr Khusi is targeted for assassination because he criticised, on Radio iGagasi, the MKMVA members who attacked members of the public in Thohoyandou during the Nelson Mandela memorial lecture presented by President Zuma. This happened in the presence of members of the SA Police Service, who did not intervene.
On learning about the threat to Mr Bheki "Ntofontofo" Khusi, Cope immediately advised the Minister, both telephonically and in writing, and demanded appropriate security arrangements for him. What makes this ominous is that Mr Khusi is the brother-in-law of the late Wandile Mkhize, who was shot and killed in Margate while returning from the recent ANC policy conference. In terms of section 198(1) of our Constitution, only the Defence Force, the police service and law enforcement units founded under law passed by this Parliament may wear military fatigues. The MKMVA should be allowed to don ceremonial-style military uniforms, not those used in war. Cope therefore calls and appeals for public assistance in unravelling the truth of the threat to Mr Khusi's life. [Applause.]