ANC eThekwini’s Musa Nciki and bodyguard out on bail, with claims arrest is politically motivated

African National Congress (ANC) eThekwini regional secretary Musa Nciki, his bodyguard and an unidentified individual have been granted bail following their arrest on Wednesday.

The state claims the men disregarded a road traffic signal on Lighthouse Road in Umhlanga on Wednesday.

ANC’s Musa Nciki gets bail

Nciki and two of his bodyguards, one of them named Ivan Khoza, allegedly skipped a red traffic light while driving an unlicenced vehicle.

Nciki and Khoza made an appearance in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, while the other bodyguard appeared in another court.

They were released on bail of R5 000 each.

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Information regarding the court appearance of the third unidentified person was not immediately disclosed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

According to News24, journalists were informed that Nciki and Khoza’s first court appearance was delayed due to prosecution taking time to determine whether to carry on with the case.

The defence lawyer unsuccessfully attempted to block the media’s request to cover the proceedings.

Political motivation for arrest?

Furthermore, KwaZulu-Natal ANC secretary, Bheki Mtolo, stated that it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter while it was still being dealt with by law enforcement.

“We will be in a position to comment once we have received a report from the leadership in the eThekwini region,” Mtolo added.

Mlondi Mkhize, the ANC regional spokesperson, alleged that the police insisted on arresting Nciki despite his bodyguard confessing to being the one who was driving the vehicle when they arrived at the police station.

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Mkhize said he was concerned that the case may be politically driven. He feared someone would be trying to force Nciki to renounce his position.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), on the other hand, welcomed Nciki’s arrest, citing it as evidence of the corruption and illegal activities associated with the ANC.

“The DA will follow developments and we call for the law and the judicial system to be given the space needed without a hint of political interference,” DA KZN premier candidate Chris Pappas said. 

The court case will resume on 10 April to allow for further investigations to take place.

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