Suspension a smear campaign, says Dodovu

Masi Losi

North West Local Government MEC China Dodovu after he was granted bail in the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court. Picture: Thobile Mathonsi

Klerksdorp - An orchestrated smear campaign was being conducted against him, North West local government and traditional affairs MEC China Dodovu said on Wednesday.

He was speaking following his suspension from the African National Congress's provincial executive committee.

Dodovu was released on bail of R20 000 on Tuesday after his arrest in connection with the murder of ANC regional secretary Obuti Chika.

“I am informed that those who suspended me claim to have done so informed by the ANC Mangaung national conference resolutions,” Dodovu said at a briefing in Johannesburg.

The resolution states that urgent action will be taken against any ANC public officials or leaders facing damaging allegations.

The NEC had not yet finalised the resolutions, Dodovu said.

“It is therefore safe to assume that the action taken against me is not in line with said resolution, but is a hatchet job that is justified by a deliberate distortion of a resolution that is well-intended, but is now savaged by factionalists masquerading as custodians of morality.”

Chika, 33, was shot in the driveway of his Klerksdorp home on December 14. He died in a local hospital.

Eight people, including Dodovu, were arrested in connection with the crime. Six of them were granted bail by the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

The other accused are: North West provincial ANC Youth League chairman Papiki Baboile, ward secretary Paul Molomonyane, councillor Itumeleng Molebatsi, municipal worker William Malefo, taxi driver Kgotso Kali, and community members Sihlangu Sekhakhane and Jeffrey Letuka.

Dodovu, who was with Baboile at the briefing, said on Wednesday that he would contest the suspension.

He maintained that he was not involved in the killing, and said he would allow the law to take its course.

“I also intend to contest the summary suspension and denial of right of response,” he said. - Sapa