Safety of PAP members paramount to S. Africa: Parliament speaker

The safety and security of all members of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) remain of paramount importance to South Africa and its Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete said on Thursday.

She was speaking after visiting the injured PAP member Aissatou Sowe Diawara, who is in hospital following an attack in Johannesburg last week.

Mbete reassured Diawara of the South African government's commitment to arresting those involved in the attack on July 28.

Diawara and three other PAP members were attacked while on their way to a hotel from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The other three persons were unharmed, but their belongings, including travel documents, were taken.

Diawara of Senegal is recuperating in hospital after suffering serious injuries. She arrived in South Africa to attend the PAP Plenary held in Midrand near Johannesburg from July 29 to August 5.

The South African Police will continue to investigate this criminal act, Mbete said.

No one has been arrested for the attack which highlights the seriousness of crime in the country.

The PAP has condemned the increasing attacks on its members and demanded heightened security for MPs.

The PAP also demanded for the relocation of the PAP headquarters from South Africa to a country where their security can be guaranteed if the host country cannot give assurances of their safety.

Responding to the concerns, Mbete said the political leadership and the administration of the South African Parliament remain seized with the safety of Members of the PAP as the host country by facilitating engagement with the relevant departments.

Parliament will continue to give her the necessary support during her stay in the country, Mbete said. Endit