The AbaThembu royal house in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, says it’s ready to defend King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo’s claims that Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane was a “beneficiary to the extortion syndicate”.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed two cases were lodged by the provincial government top brass officials on Monday and Tuesday.
“Police can confirm that the premier of the Eastern Cape opened a case of crimen injuria at Bhisho SAPS. In another incident, the MEC for Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape opened a case of crimen injuria at Cambridge SAPS. In both cases, there are no arrests at this stage, and the investigation is under way,” said Mawisa.
King Dalindyebo told residents during a meeting about a protection fee syndicate at a Mandela Park school in Mthatha last month that Mabuyane was a “beneficiary” to the syndicate.
“Oscar Mabuyane, I can prove it in any court, is a beneficiary to (Sakhumzi Dalinzolo) Mareke’s stupid actions (alleged extortion).
“He must prove me wrong if he believes I am wrongfully accusing him,” he said. Mareke, the self-proclaimed chief accused of extortion, was killed last week by members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) after he and two accomplices allegedly shot at the officers who they followed and confronted.
Mabuyane said he joined Safety and Security MEC Xolile Nqatha in lodging a complaint against King Dalindyebo because the allegations were serious and warranted a thorough investigation.
“As the leader of the province my responsibility is to protect the citizens of the Eastern Cape and ensure that those who engage in criminal activities are held accountable. We have been leading in this campaign of dealing with this (extortion) problem and inspiring hope and inspiring our people. For someone to just utter those words is reckless and a diversion. I have requested the law enforcement agencies conduct a comprehensive probe into these claims and gather all necessary evidence,” said Mabuyane.
Princess Ntando Dalindyebo said the family was made aware of the two police cases via the media.
“The King was not shocked when he found out about the premier’s intentions to take legal action against him. It was expected and overall we are prepared to go head-on in court and ready. The King has stated that he can prove all his claims in court and that is what he is prepared to do. At this stage we can not divulge more about this matter as this is a legal issue and our lawyers have advised the family.
“We are yet to be officially served by the police,” said Princess Dalindyebo.
Cape Times