By Anita Dangazele
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said he will file a defamation case against King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo on Wednesday, 11 September.
This follows the Abathembu king’s public accusation that Mabuyane benefited from extortion deals involving Mthatha West Chief Sakhumzi Mareke.
Mareke was killed in a shootout with police last Wednesday.
Mabuyane told Newzroom Afrika he’d open a case against anyone who wrongly accused him of crime and corruption.
“There are some people who can easily create a diversion so that we don’t focus on the real issues,” he said. “I’ve seen the king saying that [accusing him of benefiting from extortion]. It’s unfortunate that it was said by someone like him.
“I am opening a case today. I’ll be signing an affidavit against anyone who says such things without facts … So he must be able to come forward and tell us … We’re the face of government; we are dealing with crime. He says things loosely and recklessly.”
Mabuyane said he wouldn’t discuss the matter in the media or argue with the king but would let the police handle the matter.
The premier denied involvement in the construction mafia and extortion.
“That’s nonsense. I will never be involved in things like those; that’s why I’ve been demanding police to capacitate here in the Eastern Cape, that’s why I’ve been demanding soldiers to come. I am fighting for what is right for the people of the Eastern Cape. I am protecting the people of the Eastern Cape, but thugs are pushing back,” he said.
He praised police minister Senzo Mchunu for sending more police to the province.
“In Gqeberha, we are dealing with gangsters in the northern [coloured] areas; we’re dealing with “amagintsa” in the black townships. So, the state is in control, I can assure you,” he said.
Pictured above: Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
Source: Eastern Cape Office of the Premier
