Mbalula: "What we are doing as the ANC is trying to win the trust of the people, because we do not want coalitions, they work for democracy but not for governance." (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
Police minister Fikile Mbalula has claimed his officers have intercepted R2.5-million meant to buy votes from ANC delegates attending the national conference at Nasrec.
Mbalula uploaded pictures of the money accompanied by #VotesForCash on Tuesday afternoon. He has publicly backed former African Union commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to replace president Jacob Zuma in a succession race dogged by allegations of corruption.
Dlamini-Zuma will contest for the position against deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, who received more nominations from ANC branches.
Mbalula on Tuesday claimed seizure of the large amounts was related to money laundering and the suspects intended on using it to buy the votes of delegates at the conference.
“Intelligence driven operation the money launderous (sic) are very sophisticated but we will crush them decisively,” the minister tweeted.
He was called out by other users for using a picture of a police seizure from 2006. But he hit back, saying the picture was only meant to illustrate the seizure of money.
Nominee for the deputy president position Lindiwe Sisulu last month told the Mail & Guardian that the campaigns of presidential hopefuls had been undermined by the bribery of delegates.
READ MORE: Lindiwe Sisulu takes tough stand on vote buying, fights for the ANC’s soul
“And as long as branches are being bought, we are sowing the seeds of corruption. The more money you have, the better chance you have at getting whatever you want, wherever you go. And throughout this period, candidates have had their hands glazed. It’s quite unfortunate,” she said.