By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has dismissed claims made by AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo that he was a beneficiary of extortionists.
During a community meeting held in Mthatha on 20 August, Dalindyebo spoke out strongly against the extortionists and named a few politicians he claimed were working with the criminals.
One of those was Mabuyane, the king said.
Actually, Oscar Mabuyane, I can prove it in any court, is a beneficiary to Mthatha West Chief Sakhumzi Mareke’s stupid actions. The beneficiary! If he says I’m accusing him, he must prove me wrong. I’m telling him what he knows,” said Dalindyebo.
Mareke was killed in a shootout with police last Wednesday.
Several social media users have since circulated the allegations, further naming other politicians as beneficiaries of extortion.
Mabuyane denied the allegations.
“That’s nonsense. I will never be involved in something like that.”
Mabuyane said, he is going to open a case against the king, who wrongly accused him of crime and corruption.
“I’ve heard what the king said, it is unfortunate that it was said by somebody like that. That’s why I want police to investigate that,” said Mabuyane.
“We are the face of government, we are dealing with crime, he’s saying things loosely, recklessly like that. Whether he has been briefed by some or is being used by some to do what he has done, it’s something else.
“But I want police to investigate that. We said, we want to expose everyone, whether a politician, who might happen to be in the network itself.
Meanwhile Mthatha saw a large-scale protest on Monday as residents marched through the town, expressing their anger and frustration over the growing crime wave, including extortion, femicide, and stock theft. Community members demanded urgent intervention to address the worsening crisis and restore safety to the region.
The protest follows a recent visit by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who provided an update on police efforts to combat extortion syndicates in the area.
Masemola’s visit came at a crucial time, as concerns about crime in Mthatha and its surroundings continue to escalate. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane praised law enforcement for their response to the growing issue of extortion syndicates, but acknowledged that more must be done to effectively address the rising crime rates.
“We cannot coexist with criminals. We must root them out and make our streets safe,” said Mabuyane.
“Women and residents should be able to move freely in their communities without fear. A lot of progress has been made as we confront these criminal head-on.”