Mbeki's bodyguard executed?
2008-09-30 14:13
Pretoria - Police are still investigating possible motives for the murder of one of Thabo Mbeki's bodyguards, who was shot just three days before the former president was recalled.
Captain Francois Ramashile, who had served Mbeki for 13 years, was shot as he slept next to his wife in the early hours of September 17, police said.
His wife was unharmed in the shooting, which occurred at about 03:00 in their home in Shoshanguve, a township north of Pretoria, according to e.tv.
Ramashile was a member of the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU).
"The initial indications were that nothing was taken," PPU spokesperson, Superintendent Vish Naidoo told News24.
He said police were investigating a case of murder, but could not rule out that it had been a hit.
Mbeki was asked to step down by the ruling ANC on September 20, after a court ruling found that he may have influenced the prosecution of ANC president, Jacob Zuma.
He resigned on September 21.
Ramashile served Mbeki throughout his two terms in the presidency and before.
Ramashile, 52, left behind three children aged 21, 14 and eight.