Medium risk of election violence by supporters of Zuma's MK party

JOHANNESBURG - An internal memo by the First Rand Group has raised the alarm over possible violence by supporters of Jacob Zuma's MK party during and after elections.

The memo, which was compiled on Monday and leaked to Eyewitness News, suggests there is an increased risk of attempts to disrupt the upcoming national and provincial elections by Zuma supporters.

On Monday, the Constitutional Court ruled that Zuma was ineligible to be elected as a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election.

His face, however, will remain on the ballot.

An internal security threat analysis by the First Rand Group places possible violence by supporters of Zuma's MK party during elections at medium risk.

The memo was circulated to First Rand's various operating entities, such as First National Bank, WesBank and Rand Merchant Bank on Monday.

First Rand told Eyewitness News that such assessments were shared internally on an ongoing basis to ensure frontline staff were fully informed and equipped to service customer needs and ensure business continuity.

But the MK Party claims the report is nothing more than baseless fear-mongering.

Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela: "That report, in of itself, is a threat to the state of this country and elections, funded by white monopolist capitalists to try and create an impression and negative, false narrative against President Zuma and the MK Party."

He added: "So, this impression that’s been created that uMkhonto weSizwe is a violent party, is a total sham, it’s a total lie, it aims to drive a certain narrative by those that are fearful.

"The wheels of that are going to yield change continue to grind in the direction of the 29th of May for a two thirds majority, that’s what’s going to happen."

Ndlela emphasised that the party was not deterred by the Constitutional Court ruling, having got everything they wanted in that they were contesting elections and Zuma's face would be on the ballot.

Medium risk of election violence by supporters of Zuma's MK party - First Rand Group

A memo, which was compiled on Monday and leaked to Eyewitness News, suggests there is an increased risk of attempts to disrupt the upcoming national and provincial elections by Zuma supporters.