Former Public Protector Mkhwebane Facing Death Threats

Former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane

Former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has revealed that she is facing death threats from MK Party’s Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary Abednego Mkhatshwa.

Mkhwebane is currently MK Party’s Provincial Chairperson in Mpumalanga.

In a communique released to the media but originally addressed to MK Party members in Mpumalanga last week, Mkhwebane wrote the following:

“I address you with a heavy heart but resolute spirit in response to a malicious audio recording circulated by the Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary Abednego Mkhatshwa, wherein he issues direct assassination threats against my life and fabricates outrageous lies to tarnish my reputation.”

Mkhwebane says in the recording Mkhatshwa not only threatens to “to set her alight and burn her alive,” but also falsely claims that she (Mkhwebane) was promised R10 million to sabotage and destroy the MK Party.

“Additionally, Mkhatshwa spreads the baseless rumour that I have been barred from working anywhere for a period of ten years due to my impeachment and I would like to point out that these are vile distortions weaponised by enemies of our movement to undermine my integrity and destabilise our party,” said Mkhwebane.

She said she would definitely open a criminal case with the police for incitement to commit murder, defamation of character and dissemination of hate speech.

“The recording will be submitted as evidence and I demand swift, thorough investigation by the SAPS because no individual, regardless of their rank, is above the law and such threats will not be tolerated in our democratic struggle,” she said.

Mkhwebane was elected Provincial MK Party Chairperson twelve months ago.

“I have worked tirelessly for the party and I have not benefitted from the organisation’s funds nor have I received any financial or logistical support from the Provincial Legislature Caucus funds to date, and my service is driven by an unwavering commitment to MK Party’s revolutionary ideals and not personal gain,” she said.

“The Provincial Secretary must answer for his actions in court because we will not allow such treachery to fracture our resolve,” vowed Mkhwebane.