The Freedom Front Plus (FF+) has strongly criticized the Hawks’ decision to investigate AfriForum for high treason, following accusations of spreading misinformation about South Africa’s Expropriation Act in the United States. The party’s newly elected leader, Corné Mulder, called the move politically motivated and argued that the African National Congress (ANC), not AfriForum, should be held accountable for the country’s issues, including state capture.
FF+ Denounces Investigation
In a scathing statement, Mulder described the investigation as an affront to sound legal principles and dismissed the charges against AfriForum as baseless. He emphasized that the ANC should be the one under investigation, citing the findings of the Zondo Commission, which revealed the party’s role in covering up state capture for years. Mulder argued that the ANC had monopolized the narrative on South Africa’s state of affairs and should not be allowed to claim exclusive authority in portraying the country’s situation to the international community.
“The former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo Commission clearly showed that the ANC covered up state capture, with the help of the National Assembly, for years,” Mulder said.
The Hawks’ Dockets
The Hawks confirmed on Monday that they had opened four dockets on high treason, following accusations that AfriForum had spread misleading information in the U.S. regarding South Africa’s Expropriation Act. The group has also raised alarms about white farmers being disproportionately targeted by violent attacks, claims which have been widely disputed by the South African government.
Mulder’s Counterpoint: State Capture Should Be the Priority
Mulder argued that the police should instead focus on the findings of the Zondo Commission, which implicates top ANC officials in state capture and corruption. He accused the Hawks of wasting time on politically motivated investigations rather than addressing the real issues at hand.
“The charge against AfriForum is ludicrous,” Mulder stated. “It is unacceptable that the Hawks, tasked with more than enough important work, have to waste time on conducting politically motivated investigations.”
Defending Free Speech
The FF+ leader also reiterated his belief in South Africa’s democratic principles, emphasizing that citizens have the right to speak freely and share their perspectives internationally. While Mulder acknowledged that misinformation should be combated, he stressed that it was essential for the true state of affairs in the country to be communicated to the global community.
“We are a democratic country with freedom of expression, and people with valid passports are free to travel and share what is happening in our country,” he said.
As tensions rise over these conflicting perspectives, it remains to be seen how the Hawks’ investigation will unfold and whether South Africa’s political landscape will become more polarized in the process.
