Byline: Andani Matumba
21 September 2022
Azania Resident Party has issued a statement confirming the arrest of its President, Cllr John Mahlangu.
According to ARP General Secretary, Mr Thabiso Khoza, the political organisation does not have the side of the story of Cllr Mahlangu at this stage and has only relied on the allegations of the victim.
“We urge the community to be calm until we hear the side of our President so that we can investigate the matter internally,” said Khoza.
It is further alleged in the statement issued by the General Secretary that Mahlangu’s arrest is based on a political motive from the opposition due to the motion which was submitted in council.
“Unfortunately, our opponents will do what it takes to provoke our president in order for him to loose focus,” added Khoza explaining further that ARP’s battle for land and formalisation of informal settlements in Govan Mbeki will remain their focus as they continue leading the masses until Mahlangu is proven guilty by the court of law.
ARP also accused the media of acting hastily and publishing the news about Mahlangu’s arrest without confirming his side of the story.
This follows after Mahlangu was arrested on allegation of assault with the intent of doing grievous bodily harm who was arrested on Friday, 16 September 2022 and made his first appearance at Evander Magistrate Court on Monday, 19 September 2022.
The ARP President is set to appear again at Evander Magistrate Court tomorrow, 22 September 2022 for formal bail application.
