Parliament condemns the criminal attack on members of the Pan African Parliament while being driven from the Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport to their hotel in Sandton, Gauteng, on the 28 July 2016.
The Hon Members were due to attend the Pan African Parliament Sub Committee meeting in preparation of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) Plenary scheduled from 29 July to the 5 August 2016.
Details surrounding the incidents are still under investigation by the police.
On behalf of the Parliament of South Africa, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, condemn these acts of violence against the public representatives of our sister parliaments.
We can say with confidence that of the four members only was seriously injured and is recovering in hospital.
Parliament notes that during this unfortunate time, Hon Dr Mateme, a member of our Parliament and a Parliamentarian on the PAP, has actively been involved in ensuring that members who were affected are given all the support needed.
The Department of International Relations (DIRCO) has been in continuous support to the Hon Members and has sent its representative to give counsel to the affected members. DIRCO will ensure that the members receive the necessary support with their travel documents that were taken during this robbery.
Furthermore, a case has been opened with the Bramley police station, and the police are investigating the case with the hope to arrest the perpetrators. We urge the law enforcement agencies to accost these perpetrators and bring them to book.
The security and safety of all Members of Parliament is of paramount importance to South Africa and its Parliament. In ensuring the safety of our public representatives to fulfil their constitutional mandate our Parliament will work with the PAP to assess the safety and security of members and address any weaknesses that may exist.
