Man’s bomb threat linked to frustration

A MAN overwhelmed with frustration yesterday pleaded guilty to threatening to bomb the public protector’s office and the Tshwane University of Technology, after it was revealed that his qualifications were unaccredited.

Themba Lebone Dubazana, 33, appeared briefly in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.

He was found guilty of intimidation and threatening to set off explosives at both institutions.

According to the State, Dubazana made his threats on Twitter on January 13 last year.

On his account, Dubazana wrote: “I need to #bomb public protectors offices and Tshwane University of Technology.”

In another post, Dubana wrote: “I’m going to #bomb the #PublicProtector offices and #tswhaneUniversityOf Technology in order to intimidate the Public Protector and the Tshwane Uninversity [sic] of Technology.”

Qualifications

His frustrations were rooted in TUT’s inability to accredit his qualifications. He obtained a certificate in Financial Management and Office Skills in 2004 and a certificate in Advanced Public Financial Practices and Office Skills in 2005.

Dubazana’s qualifications were questioned by a company where he was seeking employment. In turn, he enquired with TUT but was informed that the qualifications were unaccredited.

He then turned to the office of the public protector but was not satisfied with the remedial actions proposed by advocate Thuli Madonsela.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonodwane said they were alerted by Interpol about Dubazana’s tweets.

“We want to believe that the accused was frustrated as he registered for a course with TUT and acquired a certificate. Apparently when he tried to apply for a job, he was told the qualification was not accredited,” Mjonodwane said.

Attempts to confirm whether Dubazana’s qualifications were indeed unaccredited by TUT were unsuccessful. A spokesperson said she needed more time to verify them.

He was released on R1 500 bail.