A candidate for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) appeared in the Pinetown Magistrates' Court on Friday, accused of possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition. Sphiwe Philemon Msomi, 49, was arrested on Tuesday in Dassenhoek, KwaZulu-Natal, after police received a tip-off about a man carrying an unlicensed firearm.
According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, Msomi was found with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition during a search of his home in Kukhanyeni, eTshelimnyama. The police investigation revealed that Msomi failed to produce documents allowing him to possess the firearm and ammunition, leading to his arrest.
The court appearance comes as the MKP is gearing up for the upcoming local government elections on Wednesday. MKP district coordinator in eThekwini, Mkhanka Zuma, said the party would comment further once they had received a full report on the matter. Zuma noted that reports from party members in the ward were contradictory, with some saying Msomi was not found with a firearm and others claiming he was being victimized.
The incident is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting politicians in KwaZulu-Natal. More than 10 politicians have been killed in the province this year, with nine MKP councillor candidates being murdered nationwide. The party has been embroiled in internal conflicts, including allegations of tampering with its list of representatives in 36 wards in eThekwini.
The MKP has experienced turmoil in recent weeks, with the party's secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, being expelled and the party's mayoral candidate in eThekwini, Zandile Mkhwanazi-Hlophe, being removed. The party's internal struggles have raised concerns about its ability to participate effectively in the upcoming elections.
Msomi's case has been postponed to Friday to allow him to apply for bail. His lawyer will reportedly argue that Msomi is innocent until proven guilty and that he should be released on bail pending the outcome of the trial. The case has sparked widespread interest, with many following the developments in the lead-up to the elections.
The KwaZulu-Natal police have assured the public that they are taking the case seriously and will investigate any potential links to other violent incidents targeting politicians. The province has experienced a surge in violent crime in recent months, with many residents expressing concern about their safety.
Key points
- The MKP councillor candidate was arrested for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition.
- The incident is part of a larger trend of violent attacks on politicians in KwaZulu-Natal.
- The MKP has been embroiled in internal conflicts, including allegations of tampering with its list of representatives.
