Case opened against Lesufi 'effigy suspects'
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that a case has been opened two Afrikaners who hanged an effigy of MEC Panyaza Lesufi from a tree outside his office.
The department's Steve Mabona says criminal charges have been laid at a police station.
"We can confirm that since yesterday, the MEC has been consulting, he consulted and a case has now been opened. We are now going to be guided by the law enforcement agencies on how to move forward."
Lesufi has clashed with several Afrikaans groups over the department's language policy, most notably at Hoërskool Overvaal in Vereeniging.
ALSO READ: Lesufi reacts to 'hanging': You are nothing!
The department lost a court battle against the school when it attempted to place 55 English-speaking children in the Afrikaans school.
It is now awaiting the confirmation from the Constitutional Court after it petitioned the court to overturn the judgement.
Lesufi has been the subject of numerous death threats due to his stance on Afrikaans in schools.
"They have been happening on a continuous basis, and knowing the MEC he always says he will not be deterred by this," says Mabona.
These morons came to our offices to “hang” me! We defeated your racists grandparents, you are nothing! pic.twitter.com/ovtr3CavbV
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 25, 2018
These morons came to our offices to “hang” me! We defeated your racists grandparents, you are nothing! pic.twitter.com/hqH5fGRibJ
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) April 25, 2018
Lesufi has received support from many on social media, with the two men's actions being branded as racist.
Sorry Panyaza. Disgusting, vile racists. I can confidently say they do NOT represent the majority of Afrikaners.
— Adriaan Basson (@AdriaanBasson) April 25, 2018
This is criminal.....
— Enhle Mbali SARAFINA (@enhlembali) April 25, 2018
Dear MEC @Lesufi - Don’t be intimidated by racists! Please continue serving our province and our country. @EducationGP @DBE_SA
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 26, 2018