FF Plus: Bill Harington Murder Conviction Faces Renewed Scrutiny

• FF Plus mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay, Bill Harington, is facing renewed scrutiny over a murder conviction from over three decades ago.
• Harington was convicted of murdering ANC activist Mbongeni Jama and served nearly 14 years in prison.
• Both Harington and the FF Plus confirm the party has been aware of his criminal record since he joined.
• The FF Plus is standing by Harington, with party chairperson Wouter Wessels suggesting the timing of the news is politically motivated by opponents.
• News24 initially reported on the resurfacing conviction, following the FF Plus's announcement of Harington's candidacy earlier this month.

The FF Plus has firmly stood by Bill Harington, arguing that an individual should not be perpetually penalized for an offense committed over three decades ago.

Bill Harington, a councillor for the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) in Nelson Mandela Bay, is currently facing renewed scrutiny over a murder conviction that dates back more than three decades. This historical legal issue has come to the forefront following the FF Plus's announcement earlier this month that Harington would be their mayoral candidate for the metro. News24 brought the conviction back into public discussion over the weekend, reporting on his past and his current political aspirations.

Despite the resurfacing of his criminal record, Harington has publicly acknowledged that his history would inevitably be subject to scrutiny as he pursued a leadership role within the metro. Both Harington and the FF Plus, however, have expressed bewilderment regarding why this particular conviction, known for many years, has suddenly become a significant point of contention at this specific time. The party has unequivocally affirmed its support for Harington amidst the renewed public interest in his past.

The conviction in question stems from the murder of ANC activist Mbongeni Jama, an event that occurred over thirty years ago. Following his conviction, Harington served a substantial prison sentence, spending nearly 14 years incarcerated. This apartheid-era political conviction in South Africa has remained a part of his personal history, a fact that Harington asserts was never concealed from his political party.

Harington explicitly stated that the FF Plus was fully aware of his past conviction since the time he first joined the party. In a statement provided to Daily Maverick on Sunday, he affirmed, "The party knew about my past," further adding, "My past is not a secret." This transparency, according to Harington, underscores the party's long-standing knowledge of his criminal record.

The Freedom Front Plus has firmly stood by Bill Harington, arguing that an individual should not be perpetually penalized for an offense committed over three decades ago. Wouter Wessels, an FF Plus Member of Parliament and the party's chairperson, voiced his skepticism regarding the timing of the renewed attention on Harington's past. Wessels questioned why a long-known criminal record has only now become a prominent issue, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming local government election.

Speaking to Daily Maverick, Wessels remarked on the sudden prominence of the story, stating, "I find it interesting that this is making headlines now." He further elaborated on his conclusion, suggesting that the timing indicates a political motive: "With all due respect, the only conclusion I can draw is that our opponents are threatened by us." This perspective frames the resurfacing of the Bill Harington FF Plus murder conviction as a strategic move by political rivals rather than a genuine concern about his eligibility or character.

This case highlights the enduring legal and reputational implications of historical criminal convictions for individuals seeking public office in South Africa. Lawyers should note how past judgments can remain relevant in political discourse, impacting eligibility or public trust, and advise clients accordingly on potential scrutiny.

Source: Based on reporting from Daily Maverick and News24