South African Minister Faces Repeated Death Threats

South African Ministers Aaron Motsoaledi and Naledi Pandor have reported receiving death threats, with Motsoaledi receiving six to eight threatening calls per day from an unknown individual. The reasons behind the threats remain unclear, but they come in the wake of South Africa’s legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The incidents highlight the potential risks faced by public servants involved in international affairs of significant consequence.

South African Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has reported receiving repeated death threats from an unknown individual, claiming to have been hired to kill him. He has taken the matter seriously and reported it to the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and the reason behind the threats remains unclear. This incident highlights the potential risks faced by public servants, particularly those involved in international affairs of significant consequence.

Aaron Motsoaledi – Threats and Intimidation

Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, recently revealed that his life was under threat. He reported that an unidentified person had been consistently calling him, claiming to have been paid to kill him. This anonymous individual went on to demand even more money to shift his deadly intentions away from Motsoaledi, and towards the people who had initially contracted him.

Motsoaledi, a prominent player in the South African political scene, expressed deep alarm about the situation. He indicated that he was taking the threats with the utmost gravity. His first course of action was to bring the matter to the attention of the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Motsoaledi described the unsettling reality of receiving six to eight threatening calls per day, which only served to escalate his worry.

An ongoing investigation by the Hawks into the threats has yielded no concrete leads, and the minister remains uncertain of the reason behind these persistent threats. Motsoaledi explained the grim situation in an interview with eNCA, shedding light on the harsh dialogue the individual used: “He said he was sent to assassinate me. They have paid him money, and he wanted me to pay more so he can assassinate the people who sent him rather than me.”

Naledi Pandor – Threats Extend to Family

The alarming incident involving Minister Motsoaledi isn’t the first of its kind. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, also reported receiving threats. However, her situation was significantly more distressing as the threats were not only directed at her but also targeted her family members.

These threats surfaced following South Africa’s legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where South Africa accused Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention. Pandor, who has been an outspoken advocate of the Palestinian cause, confirmed that she received these threats through social media platforms. The threats also extended to her children, causing unease about the safety of her family.

Pandor’s reaction to the threats was one of strong determination and courage. She stated, “The Israeli agents, intelligence services, this is how they behave, and they seek to intimidate you…we must not be intimidated. There is a cause that is underway.” She expressed her unwavering support for the Palestinian cause by noting, “We will strive on. As long as the people of Palestine know we as South Africa are with them, we will strive on.”

International Court of Justice Ruling and Further Repercussions

On January 26, the International Court of Justice sided with South Africa in their case against Israel, agreeing to the requested provisional measures. The court ordered Israel to undertake necessary steps to prevent actions that would fall under the Genocide Convention, such as causing harm, killing, or imposing conditions whose aim is the physical annihilation of the Palestinian people.

These threats against Ministers Motsoaledi and Pandor underline the potential risks faced by public servants, particularly those involved in international affairs of significant consequence. Despite the inherent danger, their commitment to their roles and responsibilities highlights the dedication and fortitude that characterize South Africa’s political figures. Their courage in the face of threats reinforces the resilience and determination of those serving in South Africa’s political arena.

1. Who received death threats in South Africa?

South African Ministers Aaron Motsoaledi and Naledi Pandor reported receiving death threats.

2. How many threatening calls per day has Aaron Motsoaledi received?

Aaron Motsoaledi has reported receiving six to eight threatening calls per day from an unknown individual.

3. What is the reason behind the threats to Aaron Motsoaledi and Naledi Pandor?

The reasons behind the threats remain unclear, but they come in the wake of South Africa’s legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

4. What has Aaron Motsoaledi done in response to the threats?

Aaron Motsoaledi has taken the matter seriously and reported it to the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

5. How did Naledi Pandor react to the threats?

Naledi Pandor expressed strong determination and courage, stating that she and South Africa would not be intimidated. She reaffirmed her support for the Palestinian cause and pledged to continue striving forward.

6. What was the ruling of the International Court of Justice in the case between South Africa and Israel?

The International Court of Justice ruled in favor of South Africa, agreeing to the requested provisional measures and ordering Israel to undertake necessary steps to prevent actions that would fall under the Genocide Convention.