Johannesburg - The ANC in Limpopo has dismissed claims that an unnamed provincial executive committee member had a hand in the death of Public Service and Administration Minister Collins Chabane.
Thembani Chabane, who says he is a relative of the late minister, made the allegation on social media last week.
He wrote on Facebook that truck driver Amukelani Rikhotso, who has been arrested and charged for the deaths of Chabane and his bodyguards, had confessed to having been hired to kill the minister.
He wrote on Wednesday: “Amu Rikhotso the truck driver behind the killing of Hon minister Chabane confessed to being bought to obstruct the way when a Blue lights Toureg approach from behind the truck, inmates in Polokwane police station released on bail briefed the family.
“It is said that ANC PEC (provincial executive committee) member paid him R15k to execute the… minister. We the Chabane’s are at advanced level with crime info relating to de saga.”
Many of his followers on Facebook criticised him for the post, but Thembani stuck to his guns.
He said there had been three attempts, including poisoning, on Chabane’s life.
Thembani said Rikhotso, who faces charges of culpable homicide, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, would spill the beans in court.
During the ANC provincial memorial service on Friday, Chabane’s nephew Musa urged the ANC to look into the claims. “As the family, we have noted that someone posted malicious in-formation on Facebook that seeks to cause a fight between the family and the ANC. We want the ANC to take the matter up,” he said.
On Sunday, ANC provincial spokeswoman Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the party would contact the family.
She denied the PEC had a role in Chabane’s death.
“To us it’s an insult, it’s derogatory,” Ntshavheni said.
She said the ANC was shocked and devastated by Chabane’s death.
Chabane was buried on Saturday at his Xikundu village outside Malamulele.
President Jacob Zuma said Chabane was always calm, even in the face of heated debates.
Chief Shilungwa Mhinga II of the Mhinga clan urged Zuma to grant Malamulele a separate municipality. He said this was Chabane’s wish.
“That municipality should be named Chabane municipality,” he said to loud applause.
Chief John Xikundu could not hide his fury over Chabane’s death. “Satan is doing his things using a remote control,” he said.
Chabane’s children Tsakani and Matimba paid tribute to their father through song and narrations of his life stories.
His wife Mavis had her message read out by a friend.
She said God had given her husband a heart of gold. “We already miss your well of knowledge and wisdom.”
The Star