DURBAN – WHISTLEBLOWER Phadima Fukula, who made corruption allegations and opened a felony case in opposition to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and a senior decide, has gone missing.
On March 30 this yr, Fukula reported a felony criticism in opposition to Mabuyane and the decide within the East London Police station – CAS 579/3/2021. In his assertion seen by the Daily News, Fukula mentioned in 2016 he was working as an ANC department stage activist within the East London space, main campaigns forward of the 2017 ANC elective convention at Nasrec, Johannesburg.
Among different duties, Fukula claimed he was despatched to ship R5 million to the decide.
Fukula went missing with no hint on April 9 after apparently being summoned to the East London police station by an investigating officer who allegedly needed to interrogate Fukula and required extra proof to substantiate his claims.
The Hawks have confirmed {that a} case was opened and that the matter is at present below investigation.
“Unfortunately, we can not present any additional data on the matter as it’s too delicate at this stage,” mentioned Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.
On Friday morning, the Hawks within the Eastern Cape requested the general public to help them to find Fukula.
According to an announcement issued by the Hawks, “it’s believed that he (Fukula) will help in unlocking the allegation of intimidation and corruption carried out by the by Serious Corruption Investigation workforce in East London.”
“A case of intimidation was reportedly opened in East London on March 30, 2021 of which Fukula is alleged to be a witness. The workforce interviewed him on April 9, 2021 in East London, he requested a brief break and by no means returned,” the Hawks mentioned.
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation workforce is interesting to anybody who may make clear his whereabouts to return ahead. The data will likely be handled with the strictest confidentiality and should be conveyed to Colonel Patric Matroos on 071 481 2890.
Fukula reported a felony criticism in opposition to Mabuyane and the decide within the East London Police station – CAS 579/3/2021. Screenshot provided
Mabuyane’s workplace has denied the allegations in opposition to him and the decide’s spokesperson has not commented regardless of questions being despatched to him earlier this week and quite a few phone calls.
According to Fukula’s police assertion, he was allegedly approached by a comrade who launched him to Mabuyane who, at a gathering, allegedly requested Fukula be a part of his marketing campaign workforce for the ‘CR17’ and promised to reward him in return for his co-operation.
Fukula joined the marketing campaign which he mentioned required them to journey to different provinces to allegedly purchase votes resulting in the Nasrec convention.
“Around July 2017, we obtained instruction from Mr Mabuyane to ship cash to Rustenburg within the North West and that we have been to fulfill him there,” learn Fukula’s assertion.
He additionally alleged this cash was handed over to him and his fellow comrade at a mansion in an unknown suburb in Rustenburg. This, in response to his assertion, occurred within the presence of two Cabinet ministers who have been apparently conscious of the duty.
Prior to delivering the cash, which was allegedly in a black leather-based bag crammed with R100 and R200 notes, the bag was opened for them to see earlier than they met the recipient. Fukula additional alleged that Mabuyane lectured them on the way to conduct themselves when delivering the cash to the decide.
“Mabuyane emphasised that I needs to be most cautious and present the utmost respect to this one who was a decide. He acknowledged that this decide was one of many individuals who was helping them in authorized battles that have been occurring with branches that have been being taken to court docket. He mentioned that this decide was influencing different judges in different courts on how issues have been being determined in our favour,” learn the assertion.
Fukula allegedly gave the bag to the decide who was driving a darkish Toyota SUV and added that on the time he had no concept who the decide was till he noticed him on tv.
Fukula’s aunt Ntombekhaya Ncamiso mentioned they lived in worry and have been repeatedly harassed by completely different armed males claiming to be investigators in search of Fukula. She mentioned they reported to police that Fukula was missing and was feared lifeless.
“They always come at night time banging our doorways and search our home with out producing any doc authorising the search. They threatened to beat me up once I requested why they have been harassing us,” mentioned Ncamiso.
Mgolodela confirmed they have been investigating a missing particular person’s case.
Mabuyane’s spokesperson Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha known as Fukula’s claims “frivolous”.
“The Premier heard concerning the allegations from social media however has by no means been contacted by the police. He is conscious that the Hawks are additionally probing individuals concerning the matter, and he’s completely satisfied that the police will be capable of set up details on the matter as a result of persons are creating fictions to wreck his repute,” mentioned Sicwetsha.
The decide’s spokesperson was emailed questions, which have been additionally adopted up with WhatsApp texts and phone calls all through the week, with no response.
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Daily News
