Parliament concerned about MPs' safety following kidnapping of MK Party member

Parliament has expressed concern over the rising incidents of threats and intimidation directed at Members of Parliament (MPs) in the course of their duties, calling for urgent action to address growing security risks.

The heightened concern follows the hijacking and kidnapping of MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

While the latest outcry has emerged amid the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, Parliament noted that similar threats have also been made against MPs serving on SCOPA and others engaged in oversight activities. 

Parliament stated that these threats not only endanger the individuals involved but also undermine the legislative process itself.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo emphasised the gravity of the situation, acknowledging that while MPs have taken steps to report these threats to local police stations, swift action must be taken by the authorities to ensure the safety of the parliamentarians.

“Parliament is aware of, and supports, the steps taken by Members who have reported these matters to their local police stations.

''We trust that the South African Police Service will investigate and address these cases expeditiously,'' Mothapo said. 

The recent kidnapping of Shongwe, an alternate member of the Ad Hoc Committee, has drawn significant attention to the issue of MP safety.

In a letter addressed to Parliament speaker Thoko Didiza, Colleen Makhubele, Chief Whip of the MK Party, formally raised concerns about the security of the Ad Hoc Committee’s members.

Makhubele described the kidnapping incident as "grave" and highlighted the need for immediate action to enhance safety protocols for parliamentarians.

In her letter, Makhubele detailed how Shongwe was kidnapped along with another individual traveling in his vehicle.

“During this incident, the kidnappers confiscated all three of his phones, issued threats, and coerced him into paying a substantial sum of money.”

She said a case has since been opened at the Thembisa Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.

Makhubele further urged the Parliamentary administration to take urgent action to mitigate any further risks, emphasising that “any further delays or failure to address these threats not only endangers our members but also exposes Parliament to potential legal and financial consequences.”

The safety of MPs, particularly those involved in oversight activities, has been a growing concern in recent months.

According to Mothapo, Parliament relies on the security services to assess threats and conduct investigations, ensuring that they will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“Where necessary, the Secretary to Parliament will engage the National Commissioner for updates and to ensure that these matters receive appropriate attention,” Mothapo said. 

Makhubele’s letter also pointed to the broader implications of these threats, urging Parliament to prioritise the safety of its members, particularly given the nature of the Ad Hoc Committee’s work.

She argued that the risks should have been anticipated and addressed through adequate security provisions, suggesting that budgetary constraints should not be allowed to jeopardise the well-being of MPs. 

Mothapo said Parliament remains committed to ensuring the safety of its Members, urging the public to support MPs in their work and to protect the country's democratic processes.

“Parliament continues to take the safety of its Members seriously,” he said, while also calling on South Africans to "remain the first defenders of their public representatives.''

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics