There is an "inconsistency" in how the law is meted out that is unequal, Mmapaseka Letsike said.

Her comments come after South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the ANC, which he leads, had taken the decision to pull out of the ICC. His office later retracted his comments, saying South Africa remains a member of the ICC and the ANC had in fact rescinded a decision to withdraw from it at a party conference in December.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is due to attend a Brics summit in the South African city of Durban in August. However the ICC has issued a warrant for his arrest, accusing him of war crimes.

As a signatory, South Africa is expected to hand him over to the ICC if he steps foot on its soil.

Ms Letsike - who is a member of the ANC's top leadership body, the national executive committee - said the party is reflecting on the "potential shortfalls" of South Africa remaining in the ICC.