A statement from PAC spokesperson, Kenneth Mokgatlhe, invoked the party's own bloody history, including their involvement in, among others, the Sharpeville and Langa massacres, as well as the political violence in the country before the 1994 elections.

Their statement follows the past week's utterances by Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, in which he warned that his party would not hesitate to take power "by the barrel of a gun", if the ANC were to attempt to rig elections.

Malema also invoked the spirit of PAC founder, Robert Sobukwe, claiming that the EFF is the "government in waiting" and is reclaiming the legacy of Sobukwe, Winnie Mandela, and Chris Hani.

Mokgathle refers to Malema as a "red-bereted, self-proclaimed Commander in Chief, masquerading as a far-leftist", and appealed to those inciting violence to take responsibility if people in townships start attacking each other. They also warned that if violence were to break out, those responsible would most likely be hiding in their mansions, under paid protection.

The statement concluded with an apology to those affected by the armed struggle, and the families of those killed for political reasons, saying these individuals especially do not need to be subjected to irresponsible statements from politicians looking for votes.

Earl Coetzee/OFM News