Social media speculates on who was behind ‘Gangster State’ protest

In the aftermath of the protest that took place on Tuesday night at the launch of investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s new book, Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule’s Web of Capture, social media seems to be speculating as to whether the protest, which saw books being ripped apart and culminated in Exclusive Books in Sandton City mall being shut down, was orchestrated, and if so, by whom.

The ANC has distanced itself from the protests in a statement, saying the party “condemns the disruption and the call to burn books in the strongest possible term”. ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu has called for those involved to face a disciplinary committee.

One name appeared to be coming up repeatedly – that of former ANC spokesperson Carl Niehaus – although this has been more as speculation from social media users than as a result of any actual evidence.

One reason for the finger-pointing is that Niehaus currently works for the office of ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who as the subject of the book faces allegations of corruption and gangsterism.

Another reason is – as has been pointed out on social media – that Niehaus shared on Twitter a poster of a doctored version of the Gangster State book cover last week, with the title changed to “Stratcom State: Unravelling Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s Web of Lies“. Some of the protesters at the book launch last night were spotted carrying the same poster.

Niehaus confirmed that he currently worked for Magashule’s office but strongly denied any involvement whatsoever in what happened last night, calling any attempt to implicate him “disingenuous” and questioned my motive as a journalist in asking questions about it.

Regarding the poster, Niehaus said: “It was not made by me and it didn’t originate from me. So, to see it in the protest I suppose [is because] whoever was protesting could have lifted it from anywhere. It doesn’t prove my involvement in it at all, this poster was all over WhatsApp and had already gone viral before I posted it.”

Asked for his response to the protest, Niehaus said it was “the same as the one that has been issued by the African National Congress”.

READ MORE: Mthembu slams ‘thugs’ at Gangster State launch who ‘trashed’ our democracy

“The only reason why you call me is I happen to work in the office of the secretary general.

“I have not been involved in that protest. I’ve not been anywhere there. I have not been involved in any way whatsoever and I support the position as articulated by the ANC.

“I work in the office of the secretary-general dealing with the election campaign, which is exactly what I told the Sunday Times when they phoned me the other day.

“The only knowledge I had of what happened in that protest is what happened when I turned my television on.

“There was no involvement of the SGO’s office in the protest.”

Asked who he believed may have been behind the protest, and whether he felt it was orchestrated or just a genuine protest on the part of Magashule’s supporters, Niehaus said he didn’t want to be “dragged into a speculative discussion”.

“If people don’t like what’s in the book and are protesting it, that’s their business,” he said.

“To try and implicate me is most disingenuous”.

https://t.co/2zAb0UzD8g

— @PenguinBooksSA (@PenguinBooksSA) April 9, 2019

I was giving ace magashule a benefit of the doubt concerning this book…now I’m starting to believe what is on that book,why rent a crowd to disrupt the event??the same posters are the same that were first posted by Carl Niehaus a week ago.#GangsterState

— Maps Pingo (@MapsPingo) April 9, 2019

One Carl Niehaus is renowned for dealing with rented mobs .We all know from which office he works these days.

— Introvert @ Pati (@Paatoi) April 9, 2019

So Carl Niehaus is at Luthuli House working in Magashule's office. This new dawn never fails to surprise?

— Barney Mthombothi (@mthombothi) April 7, 2019

#GangsterState You know how I know @MYANC know about the launch disruptions? None of the protesters was wearing ANC colours. This alone proves, it was a planned protest.

— Archie Mkhize (@Hustla852) April 10, 2019

RESS RELEASE: WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED

We are appalled at the behaviour of those who disrupted the launch of #GangsterState by @PLMyburgh yesterday. We hope that #AceMagashule and supporters get the message that no amount of intimidation will deter us: https://t.co/Tuls7RzGUF pic.twitter.com/lFizidnxSj

— @PenguinBooksSA (@PenguinBooksSA) April 10, 2019

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