The African National Congress (ANC) has learnt with shock, news of the abduction Sello Mpyaatona, the bodyguard of former ANC national chairman Mosiuoa Lekota by armed gunmen outside Pretoria.

As a matter of principle and policy, the ANC neither subscribes nor supports any form of violence to settle political differences. This is nothing else but a cowardly criminal act which has no relation with Lekota's criticism of the ANC leadership. We condemn the abduction and urge the South African Police Services to bring the perpetrators to book.

The ANC adheres to the Constitution which guarantees - among others - freedom of speech and association. We respect Lekota's democratic right to express his views on any issue and his right to form a political party. The practice of multi-party democracy accommodates the formation of new parties. In democracies around the world, it is a normal occurrence in the hustle and bustle of politics, and South Africa is no exception.

The ANC is a movement with a rich political tradition and an unparalleled legacy that other parties can only wish for. We are currently hard at work, preparing for next year's general elections and do not wish to be detracted from our mission.

Statement issued by the African National Congress October 11 2008