Struggle to clear Supra Mahumapelo's name continues as court dismisses accused's absolution application
Mahumapelo has accused Themba Gwabeni, Thato Magogodi and Lucky Kgabi of being central to the protests linked to the ‘Supra Must Fall’ hashtag, which saw him walking away from his job as both Premier and ANC chair of the North West.
Former North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo at the OR Tambo International Airport in February 2020, among hundreds waiting for Jacob Zuma's return from Cuba. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said the struggle to clear his name continues after the Mahikeng High Court dismissed an absolution application by a group of African National Congress (ANC) members known as the Revolutionary Council.
Mahumapelo is suing the group for R10 million, accusing them of defaming his character.
He’s accused Themba Gwabeni, Thato Magogodi, and Lucky Kgabi of being central to the protests linked to the ‘Supra Must Fall’ hashtag, which saw Mahumapelo walking away from his job as both Premier and ANC chair of the North West.
In 2018, Mahumapelo announced that he was going on early retirement, following violent protests that had swept parts of the province as some called for his head
Fast forward to 2020 when he turned to the courts, accusing ANC members known as the Revolutionary Council of attempting to besmirch his name. For this, he wanted R10 million.
The matter is still before the courts, with three of the council’s members attempting to avoid taking the stand, however, the court dismissed the application and said they must testify.
Mahumapelo welcomed the development.
He told Eyewitness News his opponents must get in the dock.
“Tell South Africa and the world, why did they have to ransack Mahikeng, burn it, torch property, make sure they mobilise people to loot, the lies they spread… everything they did which is against the law, it's no longer in the streets but the courts.”
A new date for the trial to continue is yet to be set.