ANC opens crimen injuria case against Hofmeyr over ‘death threats’

The ANC has officially opened a case of violence and crimen injuria against Afrikaans musician Steve Hofmeyr for “death threats” made against South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark Zindzi Mandela-Hlongwane and DA MP Phumzile van Damme at the Johannesburg Central police station.

The ANC’s spokesperson, Pule Mabe, confirmed the case was opened on Monday to send a strong message that the party urged South Africans to continue to build a non-racial democratic society and isolate people that continue to promote racism in the country.

“The ANC holds no brief to sympathise with racists, and will not hesitate to report their conduct to authorities regardless of their public standing. Laying charges of crimen injuria against Steve Hofmeyr will send a strong message that racists have no place in our democratic society.”

Mabe said the reason the party opted to open the case in Johannesburg as opposed to Cape Town was to keep a close eye on the matter, as the Johannesburg police station was close to the ANC’s headquarters.

“We will make sure that where there are instances of individuals – regardless of their standing in society – which seek to put the lives of others under threat, we report such to the authorities.

“The question of land is an emotive issue and we are confident that our national assembly is undertaking is a responsible one.

“No one has the right to make irresponsible and reckless statements.”

Hofmeyr recently took to Twitter, telling Mandela and Van Damme that “you will jump when I say so and you will ask how high.. And when you come to take our lives and land, you will die. Our contract is that simple, and don’t you forget.”

This comes after Mandela-Hlongwane’s tweets to “apartheid apologists” and “land thieves,” warning them that black people were going to seize land in South Africa.

She took on those who disagreed with her and was supported by radical opposition Economic Freedom Fighters.

International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor subsequently put her foot down, telling Mandela-Hlongwane that she was a diplomat and was expected to conduct herself as such and adhere to social media policy for the public sector.

(Additional reporting by ANA)

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