Gardee murder accused suspended without pay from ANC whip’s office
Lukhele’s woes grow after arrest
Mbombela politician Philemon Lukhule, who is one of men arrested and accused of the murder of Hillary Gardee, has been dealt another financial blow after the office of the ANC chief whip in the Mpumalanga legislature suspended him without pay.
The party’s chief whip’s office said it suspended Lukhele over his arrest for the gruesome murder that has shocked the country.
“The office of the [ANC] chief whip in the Mpumalanga provincial legislature has resolved to suspend with immediate effect Mr Philemon Lukhele from his responsibilities in this office,” said the party chief whip Fidel Mlombo in a statement on Thursday.
Lukhele worked as a senior manager in the chief whip’s office before his arrest last week.
“The office has noted that Lukhele appeared in court on Monday with two other accused where he waved his rights to apply for bail...
“The office noted the seriousness of the preferred charges against Lukhele. In line with the code of conduct, a resolution to suspend Lukhele has been taken,” said Mlombo.
“He is suspended with immediate effect from conducting any work related business in the chief whip’s office and that the principle of ‘no work, no pay’ shall apply. This will continue until the conclusion of the internal investigation on his role and participation in this matter.”
Mlombo said Lukhele was served with the suspension letter in police custody.
“Lukhele was served with the notice to suspend him this morning [Thursday] and has been ordered not to contact any of the employees in this oflence fice. This office remains resolute that it stands for the protection of women, young girls and boys and condemns in the strongest terms any acts of vioafter perpetrated against the vulnerable, especially women and children.”
This is the second blow to Lukhele’s finances this week the University of Mpumalanga terminated three contracts with him for student accommodation at his properties. Among the properties he owns is the Insika Guesthouse, which is believed to be where Gardee was tortured and murdered.
Lukhele, 47, who is also a member of the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) in Eswatini, was arrested on Saturday on six charges of kidnapping, rape, possession of a firearm and ammunition, conspiracy to commit murder, murder and defeating the ends of justice. He was arrested alongside Sipho Mkhatshwa, 39, and Albert Gama, 52.
They are accused of the abduction and murder of Gardee. The daughter of EFF politician Godrich Gardee was found dead in a bush outside Mbombela on May 3, four days after her abduction in the city.
The case against the three was postponed to June 9 for further police investigation.