MEC: Suspension a smear campaign
2013-03-06 15:45
Johannesburg - 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 ANC'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 14 December. 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 chairperson 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
