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South Africa’s security minister has defended the investigation into the allegations of a plot within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to oust President Thabo Mbeki, news reports said on Thursday. Steve Tshwete maintained that this was not an internal ANC matter as Mbeki’s life could be under threat. Addressing parliament’s safety and security committee he said the police had a duty to protect the president’s life.
Tshwete told committee members that neither Mbeki nor the ANC were consulted about the police investigation into the alleged plot. “I have told you umpteen times.
I have not consulted with the president. There was no need for me to do so. He would fire me if I did that ... I would be failing in my responsibility,” Tshwete said.
Tshwete said that he had not abused his power or state resources by ordering a police investigation into claims of the plot. “You’re not only talking of the President of the African National Congress, but the president of this country”, he said.
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