Celani Sikhakhane
The death of the state witness in the state capture Covid-19 corruption case has led to death threats to the Director General in the presidency Phindile Baleni.
She has received death threats and a bullet, as well as a letter demanding that that she should release those who were arrested for the brutal murder of government official Babita Deakoran.
The letter also demands that Baleni tell President Cyril Ramaphosa not to proceed with the findings of the state capture commission.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said the threats came from a “person or persons who seemingly want to affect the Presidency’s processing of the findings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.”
These include the findings into allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector including organs of state.
The letter made it clear that no matter where Baleni moves, she is being monitored wherever she goes at any time.
Mangwenya said Baleni is receiving protection to enable her to continue her critical duties, including those of being Cabinet Secretary and convenor of the Forum of South African Directors-General.
“The fight against crime and corruption will be unaffected by this threat against Baleni,” said Mangwenya.
The President is facing pressure to take legal action against those who have been implicated by the state capture reports released by Justice Raymond Zondo.
Last year Chief Justice Zondo was also threatened with murder by people who were sympathetic to former president Jacob Zuma.
The photos and address of Zondo’s family house in Hillcrest, Durban were widely shared on many WhatsApp groups by those who were against the state capture report findings and the arrest of Zuma.
There were also threats that his house would be set on fire. People were even following his visitors from the nearby shopping centre to his home.
Image source: @News365
