Crime fighters deny getting money from premier
WANYA Tsotsi leaders and organisers of the city-wide shutdown march have slammed a voice recording being circulated on social media which claims that they received money from the Premier of the Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas.
The chairperson of Wanya Tsotsi, Pantsi Obusitse, said the recording is causing further confusion within the community and is aimed at causing divisions.
In the recording, a man is heard saying that Lucas paid Wanya Tsotsi R250 000 to attack the Sol Plaatje executive mayor, Mangaliso Matika, and to destroy shops.
Obusitse said that the organisation was never part of any political operation or division.
“We have never received any money from the premier. The role of Wanya Tsotsi in the march was to marshal and protect the lives of the people who participated.”
“It is irritating to observe that people who should lead society are the ones who are dividing society. Wanya Tsotsi was launched prior to the factional battles that we are accused of being involved in. We have consistently distanced ourselves from political battles.
“We have been fighting crime for three years and it is disheartening that some people want to associate us with factional battles,” Obusitse said.
He added that the organisation has laid a criminal charge with the police.
“We have reported the matter to Crime Intelligence to assist in identifying and arresting those behind the voice note,” Obusitse said.
The premier also rubbished the claims, calling for a speedy investigation into the matter.
“The unsubstantiated and defamatory voice clip was handed to the authorities at the highest level for investigation and the premier calls on the police to move with speed in not only bringing the person or persons responsible for the voice clip to book, but also all those responsible for looting, damaging property and other acts of crime during the protests.
“These allegations are devoid of any truth and fact and are rejected in the strongest terms and with the contempt it deserves,” Lucas said.