IN THE LINE OF FIRE

PATRIOTIC Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie believes he and National Coloured Congress (NCC) counterpart Fadiel Adams are being targeted by political rivals.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture is in the middle of a running battle with members of parliament, hitting back at claims of running “away from accountability” and skipping parliamentary portfolio committee meetings.

McKenzie is currently in Brazil for an official visit and posted on social media: “I never run away from accountability.

“All the Ministers of BRICS meet once a year to agree on the work, plans and collaboration that governs our partnership.

“We agreed on the way forward and signed the document and also held bilaterals with some Ministers. I shall appear on June 10 to answer whichever allegations or correction but I could simply not miss this meeting.

“Let’s not play politics by characterising me as running away from answering any questions.”

Ranking members from the Democratic Alliance, African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have all been critical.

ANC MP Gaolatlhe Kgabo said: “I think this is the fifth meeting, if not the sixth, where the minister is not attending.”

EFF MP Eugene Mthethwa added: “Any organisation knows that if you are an executive and you miss three consecutive meetings, you’re removed.”

Earlier in the week, McKenzie made the wilde claim that political rivals have put a hit out on the NCC’s Adams, who is regularly clashing with political rivals on social media and slammed by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis for posting pictures of him with a pistol last week. 

Speaking on Facebook this Tuesday to his PA supporters and without naming names, McKenzie wysed: “I’m gonna give you breaking news – there is a hit out on Fadiel Adams.

“I spoke to Fadiel. He is much cleverer than what they thought. He was not only aware of the hit [order], but he knows more than me.

“At this stage, all I’m going to say is there was an order. We know who the people are behind the hit. We will make statements to the police.

“But the matter is not going to be left like that.

“These people are in cahoots with gangsters. Hulle worry nie as ons mekaar uitwis [nie].

“I am told politicians are behind it. Luckily the matter is being investigated."