Major General Feroz Khan underwent two emergency surgeries and received extensive blood transfusions after being shot in Houghton on 26 June, with doctors confirming the attack was not staged as previously speculated. Meanwhile, the MK Party is contending with internal calls for Mzwanele Manyi to be held accountable following former President Jacob Zuma’s meeting with Ajay Gupta in India, while Minister Lydia Sindisiwe Chikunga has publicly denied rumours questioning her South African citizenship.

Medical Evidence Dismisses Claims Of Staged Shooting

Medical professionals treating Major General Feroz Khan reported that he suffered severe internal injuries, necessitating two emergency operations and extensive transfusions, according to The Citizen. These facts have directly refuted speculation that the shooting was staged, with hospital statements underscoring the seriousness of his condition.

The attack on Khan, which took place in Houghton, has intensified security concerns for high-ranking officials. Police have not released new details on the investigation, but the confirmation from medical staff has become a focal point in public debate over the authenticity of political violence reports.

MK Party Divisions Emerge Over Gupta Meeting Fallout

Internal tension within the MK Party surfaced after Jacob Zuma’s meeting with Ajay Gupta, as reported by The Citizen on 3 July. Senior figures, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Magasela Mzobe, have called for Mzwanele Manyi to account for his role due to his past connections with the Gupta family.

Magasela Mzobe stated, “I hope the MK party leadership won’t entangle itself, the president and our movement into this Manyi-Gupta entanglement.” Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla added, “Mzwanele Manyi must indeed take full responsibility before we start speaking, because we warned them about this trip!” The debate highlights longstanding issues surrounding the Gupta family and their influence on South African politics.

Minister Chikunga Rebuts Misinformation On Citizenship

On 2 July, Transport Minister Lydia Sindisiwe Chikunga addressed false social media reports questioning her citizenship status. In a formal statement, she emphasised, “As a country founded on the values of human dignity, equality, non-racialism and the rule of law, we must reject the weaponisation of misinformation, disinformation and identity-based attacks for political or personal gain.”

Chikunga reaffirmed that she is a “born-and-bred South African citizen”, married to a South African spouse, and denounced the spread of falsehoods seeking to undermine public trust in government officials. Her response follows a recent surge in identity-based misinformation targeting political leaders in the digital arena.

Further updates are expected as the MK Party leadership addresses internal disputes and police investigations into the Khan shooting progress.