14th May 1999
The SACP is deeply concerned at the assassination attempt last night on the life of comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. She is an ANC NEC member, an MP, and chairperson of the Intelligence Portfolio Committee in the National Assembly. Comrade Mapisa-Nqakula is married to SACP chairperson, Charles Nqakula.
Last night, returning from the airport, the car in which Mapisa-Nqakula was travelling was ambushed outside the Nqakula family home in Johannesburg. There were five individuals involved in the ambush. They attempted to block Mapisa-Nqakula´s car in the drive-way, and two men came out of the ambushing car, with guns. But her driver had the presence of mind to effect a get-away. They were pursued by the second car, with numerous shots being fired. One of the occupants of the Mapisa-Nqakula car was lightly injured and a security guard at the gate of the home was also hit.
One of the two ambushers who had originally left the ambushing car has been arrested. We understand that he has admitted that the mission was not a car-hijacking, but an assassination attempt.
It is not clear, at this stage, if the intended target was comrade Nosiviwe, or Charles Nqakula, or both.
The SACP condemns this terrible act, which, we assume was designed to create a climate of fear and confusion in the run-up to the elections. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough but very rapid investigation. The remaining four ambushers must be arrested, and, above all, the hidden hand behind this attempt must be uncovered.
The SACP expresses its solidarity and deep concern for those injured and those affected by this act.
Issued by the SACP Department of Information & Publicity
E-Mail: sacp1@wn.apc.org
South African Communist Party Head Office
COSATU House
No. 1 Leyds Street - 7th Floor
Braamfontein 2001
Republic of South Africa
(Tel: 27 11 339-3621/2)
(Fax: 27 11 339-4244)