Whistleblower fears for his life despite promises

One month after a murder attempt and political promises of security protection from President Cyril Ramaphosa and KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala, whistleblower Thabiso Zulu still has no protection.

Zulu said yesterday he still feared for his life and blamed Ramaphosa and Zikalala, saying they reneged on their promises to keep him safe.

He said the president spoke to him on State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo’s phone on October 27 and promised him protection.

Zikalala made the same promise in a statement a day later. Zulu added that he also spoke to Zikalala over the phone just days later and was again promised protection.

“All those promises have resulted in nothing. No implementation, no explanation, no courtesy calls, nothing. I have always heard people accusing politicians of lying and [being] uncaring, but I now have experienced it first-hand.”

Zulu said he was disappointed that Ramaphosa has lied to him and betrayed him.

Zikalala’s spokesperson, Lennox

Mabaso, gave little insight into why no protection had been given, despite an attempt on Zulu’s life.

“Law enforcement agencies advised they are attending to the matter and due to the sensitive nature, no details can be divulged. But the matter is receiving priority attention.”

The Presidency did not respond to a request for comment by the time of going to press.

Zulu, a whistleblower on political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, was shot in an alleged hit outside

Pietermaritzburg in late October.

A close friend of slain ANC Youth League (ANCYL) secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa, Zulu was shot while walking in Copesville. Three men apparently fired at him, hitting him in the arm. Zulu later went into hiding.

Zulu is a former ANCYL regional secretary in the ANC’s Harry Gwala Region. He testified at the Moerane Commission, which examined political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, about mass corruption and looting in the municipality. – News24 Wire