Jossey Buthane was arrested and released on bail.
Joseph “Jossey” Buthane, who was arrested on Friday and subsequently released on bail, is probably feeling like a cat on hot tin roof – his charges are of serious nature.
He is facing charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.
Buthane handed himself over to the Seshego police and briefly appeared in the local magistrate’s court where he was released on a R5000 bail.
The matter will return to court on July 2.
Buthane’s indiscretion stems from the violent scenes he allegedly orchestrated in Juju Valley in the periphery of Polokwane, Limpopo last Sunday when he reportedly placed numerous lives under grave danger.
The gun-wielding Buthane turned what was supposed to be an ANC door-to-door election campaign into an epic Wild, West movie, firing gunshots at EFF members indiscriminately.
Videos of Buthane charging at the red berets have gone viral on social media.
Amid all this commotion, nine-year-old girl, Tshiamo Lebaka sustained a severe injury after she was shot on her head while several people were left battered and bruised.
The remnants of the tumultuous scene apparently instigated by Buthane and his marauding gang left, corrugated shacks shattered and cars smashed.
According eyewitnesses, they wanted to disrupt a football tournament so that they can stage their ANC event.
The EFF refused to be bullied by the ANC in an area known to be their stronghold.
ANC provincial secretary Reuben Madadze said “Whilst we note the arrest, the ANC Limpopo is concerned that members of the South African Police Service are only targeting ANC members despite criminal cases been opened against EFF members. The ANC further believe that the case against comrade Jossey is political motivated and aims to prevent him from mobilising support for the ANC across the province particularly in the last leg of elections. “The ANC in Limpopo is calling upon members of the SAPS to desist from targeting its members and apply the law equally without favour.
Madadze went on to say “As the ANC in Limpopo, we will continue to monitor the situation as well as the conduct of the police in the manner in which they are dealing with the matter emanating from the Juju Valley incidence.
We once again call upon all our structures and members to remain calm, vigilant and intensify our election work in these final phase of the election.”
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed Buthane’s arrest and commended the investigating team for the remarkable breakthrough.
“The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and order, thus protecting the democratic rights of all citizens to vote in a safe and secure environment. The police will act harshly against anyone who conducts himself or herself with impunity irrespective of social standing,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.