Analysts view alleged attempt on Mashatile’s life as concerning, ANC downplays it

Political analyst, Dirk Kotze, says the apparent assassination attempt on Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, shouldn’t be downplayed and should be viewed with concern.

Yesterday, police boss, General Fannie Masemola, confirmed that the Deputy President’s car was shot at amid skeptisism over its veracity.

According to Masemola, while the ballistics report has been concluded, a probe into the matter is ongoing.

Mashatile was returning from an ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg this month, when his state vehicle was shot at, which his security team initially thought were stones being pelted at the vehicle.

Following suspicions and insinuations that the incident could be related to faction battles within the party, especially as the 2027 ANC elective conference looms – Kotze says those are claims that can’t be dismissed at first glance.

According to the scholar, there’s been unscrupulous activities ahead of big events such as electing a new ANC leader in the past.

However, he believes it is concerning that the ANC itself seems unconvinced about the incident.

He based this opinion on party Secretary General Fikile Mbalula’s claim that they only found out about the shooting at the weekend.

Mbalula has said the party will release a comprehensive response to the situation once they have found the clarity they still seek regarding it.

Some political analysts have also downplayed the alleged botched hit, saying the incident cannot be related to the battle for the ANC’s top job.

Speaking to YNews, political commentator, Goodenough Mashego, says this could actually be related to the Deputy President’s dealings outside the party.

 

Professor Sam Koma says the event also shows the brazenness of criminals in the country.

It is understood that President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mashatile’s security detail will be beefed up following the incident.

That was an inside job at its worst. If that was truly an assassination plot then he would not have been alive to still complain about it. Mashatile is a big crook. Not believe a thing that comes from him.

— Cornelia (@Cornelia754599) April 23, 2025

President Ramaphosa has still not said a damn word about Mashatile’s assassination attempt. That in itself tells us he thinks it’s staged

— Gotta Get it (@THendrix777) April 23, 2025

@MYANC ANC Succession Battle
Mashatile (diplomatic) is on the ground doing spade work. He is campaigning, hence a threat to his own life. Three people are involved here, Mashatile, Mbalula, and Lesufi.
IT IS A WAR WITHIN ANC! ONE IS GOING TO DIE

— LUCKY DEE (@dijoes1) April 23, 2025

I highly doubt that it is political. However, it is fairly well known that Mashatile is involved with syndicates. So I’m thinking that this is either self inflicted OR a warning from his criminal adversaries because he stepped out of line ..

— Rattex (@pesticillin) April 23, 2025

The incident involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlights the importance of proactive measures to protect our leaders. SAPS’s reaffirmation of their readiness is a positive step toward ensuring stability and safety.

— Nhlalenhle Phakade (@Nhlalenhle66852) April 23, 2025

Mbalula stop speaking in forked tongue. Just state as it is that you don’t trust your Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Finish and klaar 🤔

— 💜Mao jnr🇿🇦 (@Remiazania2) April 23, 2025