Councillor Mogotji escape assassination attempts
Ntwane
Bolsheviks Party of South Africa (BPSA) leader Seun Mogotji says he fears for his life. This is after the councillor in Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), was allegedly attacked several times at his home in Ntwane outside Groblersdal.
In the latest attack, taken place in the evening of Monday 23 January, Mogotji said about three armed men broke the locks of his home’s gate, went straight to the window of his room and fired shots at his bed.
“Their plan was to kill me in my sleep, but fortunately I was not home at the time,” he said.
According to Mogotji, attempts to take his life started in 2016 when he was ambushed at his home in Ntwane by unknown gunman. During the incident, thirteen bullets were fired at him and only one hit him on the thigh.
Mogotji added that in 2021, he was almost abducted at Moloto in Mpumalanga by unknown armed men.
“I managed to escape to the bushes leaving the key in the ignition. This was obviously not a hijacking because the criminals left the car with a key in the ignition and ran after me,” claims Mogotji.
He said earlier this month, he woke up to find foot prints around the house to prove that someone was in the yard while he was sleeping.
“A few days ago I woke up to find the fence being cut off. Obviously someone wanted to gain access into my home because the gates were locked,” he said.
Mogotji said he believes that the attacks were motivated by his stance on the fight against corruption within government, which land many people in hot water.
“These corrupt individuals will do anything to get rid of me. They see me as a threat who is on their way to stop their evil schemes of stealing public funds. They must understand that I can’t be quiet when I see my people suffer, while a few connected individuals bask in luxury that they don’t deserve. They can’t just wish me away, I am here to stay whether they like it or not,” he said.
Mogotji said he wrote to SDM requesting protection detailing some of the threats he had been subjected to, pleading with the municipality to engage the police to conduct security assessment, however, nothing has been done by the municipality to ensure his safety.
“There was not even acknowledgement that they have received my letter. I feel disheartened and disappointed, I believe they are deliberately dragging their feet because I am not a member of the ANC,” informed Mogotji.
He said he had escalated the personal security matter to the office of the Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, seeking his intervention.
Khomotso Ndhlovu, SDM Spokesperson, said the district municipality has engaged its Risk Management Unit to conduct safety assessment at Mogotji’s residence and provide a feedback to be tabled in the council, to officially provide security services for the affected councillor.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said a case of attempted murder was opened and is under investigations.
