[ad_1]
It has been 18 months for the reason that first homicide of an worker rocked College of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Sakhela Buhlungu’s tenure, and 14 months since his bodyguard was gunned down in entrance of his official residence. Throughout this time, Buhlungu went from having a excessive profile in public to cutting down his public publicity.
In an unique interview, Buhlungu revealed how he went on a campaign for justice, going all the best way to the Presidency to attempt to convey closure to the slain males’s households and reassure his colleagues, college employees and college students. And to see the responsible individuals charged and convicted.
The murders are believed to be linked to a young corruption syndicate that has price the establishment thousands and thousands of rands.
“Folks assume, disgrace, he’s hiding underneath his mattress, however I’m not. No, I’m on campus every single day, cheering our college students on. Celebrating on a regular basis,” Buhlungu mentioned.
Petrus Roets, the college’s fleet and transport supervisor, was shot and killed in Gonubie in East London on 19 Might 2022. Mboneli Vesele, Buhlungu’s driver and bodyguard, was shot lifeless in Dikeni (previously Alice) on 6 January 2023.
The police have arrested a fellow cop, an area businessman and lawyer, college students, college workers – together with the pinnacle of vetting and investigations, Isaac Plaatjies – and hitmen from KwaZulu-Natal for the murders. However to know what occurred, Buhlungu says it’s important to return to 2017, when he joined the college.
“After I acquired right here to Fort Hare, I used to be a complete stranger. I got here in chilly. I had no mates, no faction that carried me in or who rooted for me. Solely after I landed right here did I realise we’ve factions, thieves and mafia leaders. Then they realised I used to be not fairly the individual they thought I used to be.”
Although scholar and employees strikes marred the primary two years of his tenure, issues took a flip for the more serious when the murders began. Roets was the second fleet supervisor on the college who was killed.
In court docket paperwork, the State hyperlinks Roets’ homicide to an intensive anti-corruption marketing campaign Buhlungu had initiated, which earned him demise threats. Roets was one of many folks he had appointed to appropriate the scenario. Like all the brand new managers, he stopped all pending funds to service suppliers.
Vesele was appointed as Buhlungu’s bodyguard, which aggrieved Plaatjies, based on the indictment earlier than court docket. It’s alleged that a few of the accused requested him to influence Vesele to affix their mission to oust Buhlungu, however he refused to betray his boss, giving the accused a cause to kill him.
“When Roets was killed in 2022, I realised that this was very severe. He was killed on the fourth day of commencement within the afternoon. It was a Thursday. Luckily, I used to be not officiating; the chancellor was. Plaatjies known as me. I didn’t take it [the call]. Then he despatched a message saying ‘Please name me: Petrus Roets has been killed’. I jumped up and went to telephone him.
“The commencement was a second of joyous celebration, color, smiles and household, and I believed, I gained’t say something right here … I’ll wait till after the closing ceremony. That’s after I introduced it. The temper simply modified instantly.
“We had simply had a council assembly. Council mentioned to do the whole lot to guard folks. Isaac Plaatjies was organising the safety. He acquired folks in and did the logistics. I trusted him to do all of that.”
![](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ED_480166.jpg)
Isaac Plaatjies exterior the Alice Magistrates’ Court docket on 21 November 2023 in Alice, Japanese Cape, South Africa. (Photograph: Gallo Photographs / Die Burger / Lulama Zenzile)
Buhlungu mentioned that for the subsequent eight months there was “a way that the authorities couldn’t be bothered”.
“ these distant cities the place a taxi boss will get killed after which it’s on the tv for a day or within the newspapers for a day, and nothing ever occurs? It was like that with Roets.”
Because the police did not determine suspects, Buhlungu took the battle for justice public.
“I bear in mind stepping on to a podium and saying we are going to by no means let this case go. It’s going to by no means get chilly. In fact, the media was there they usually ran with it. We put our sources into this. First, we cracked the Roets case. However then Vesele was killed.
“I used to be again on the rostrum and, this time, I mentioned overlook the police and the police commissioner, and the nationwide minister of this or the opposite. President Cyril Ramaphosa should act now. Then the President phoned. He heard the message. It was very clear.”
Buhlungu mentioned by the point Ramaphosa known as, he was fearing for his personal life however needed to disguise it. “There have been messages of sympathy coming in from all around the world. I used to be involved for my life as effectively, however there was an even bigger image.
“I couldn’t afford to be weak or scared at the moment. I needed to be scared inside. That was the face the general public noticed.”
The decision on Ramaphosa to do one thing was Buhlungu’s final massive public speech earlier than he withdrew from the general public eye to get “the backroom work” accomplished.
“Following the dialogue with the President, we agreed that he ought to ship his ministers down. He mentioned one thing can be accomplished.”
![](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fort-Hare2.jpg)
Justice Dumisa Ntsebeza, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu and President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Photograph: Gallo Photographs)
However Buhlungu may inform shortly that the ministers didn’t have a plan.
“The primary phrase I heard from them was that there needed to be a press briefing. I mentioned wonderful, do your press briefing, however I’m not going. This isn’t a present. I gained’t be a part of a charade like that right here. I solely wish to discuss to the minister who holds the jail keys.
“I mentioned I’ll avoid campus till you’re accomplished along with your press briefing, however that’s it. I desire a assembly with [Police Minister Bheki] Cele. It induced a storm, as a result of then they needed to come to campus. However ultimately, there was a compromise that [Higher Education Minister Blade] Nzimande would come right here and meet with members of the college’s council.
“I mentioned I’ll go to Zwelitsha [East London] to the police headquarters, and meet with Cele and the nationwide commissioners… The media was speaking concerning the rigidity between me and Nzimande. I mentioned we’re not right here to play. I mentioned you’ve got to arrest folks,” Buhlungu mentioned.
“The go to got here hardly 5 days after Vesele died. All these clowns got here into city and I believed, I don’t have time for this nonsense. Somebody has died.”
A nationwide activity staff was subsequently fashioned and it grew to become the game-changer.
However Buhlungu was shocked when he was requested for the case variety of Vesele’s homicide on the staff’s first assembly.
“I mentioned I’m going to kick you out of this room. I’m going to get safety to escort you out of that gate. You’re coming to waste my time. The SAPS right here have the case. It was registered right here with them … In the event you ask me for a case quantity, it exhibits that you’re a bunch of incompetents your self. I mentioned I’d telephone Cele about this and inform him you’re losing my time.”
Buhlungu mentioned throughout this era there was an environment of concern throughout campus amongst college students, abnormal employees and extra senior folks. So, for the establishment’s sake, he held fears about his personal security at bay.
“I additionally wished to indicate that we weren’t leaving. I mentioned we’d not go right into a protected home. I’m not going wherever. I used to be staying within the background to look at.
“Then we had the primary breakthrough. With the police investigation, I wanted to be there. You should maintain watch all the time – be vigilant, alert and assertive. I had to try this. I phoned Cele if I didn’t see issues shifting. I used to be calling the generals.
“It helped that we had a activity staff that was thirsty for one thing. We had a minister who was thirsty for one thing.”
Easter 2023 was when the primary breakthrough arrests befell. “That fateful Easter weekend, the investigators despatched a message on Friday: we acquired them, however don’t say something till they seem on Monday.
“I knew who they arrested. The one was a not too long ago retired official we took again to work on contract. He was the chancellor’s driver throughout ceremonies. One other labored with Roets. One was a former student-turned-businessman who repaired the college’s automobiles. The opposite two – I didn’t know them – had been the boys from KwaZulu-Natal, the hitmen.
“However the massive image wasn’t obvious. I didn’t know the place this was going,” Buhlungu mentioned. “I scaled down my public publicity even additional. I made a number of strategic appearances when the accused was in court docket. I didn’t need it to be triumphalist at a time when issues had been nonetheless unfolding.
“The college by no means stopped working. We taught. I went with the circulate. I used to be in a position to overlook till I went residence within the night. Then I’d simply let the waves wash over me. Whilst these items had been taking place, we had been on an upward trajectory – refurbishing lecture rooms, constructing in East London and doing our water mission. We had been working. Our college students had been succeeding.”
Buhlungu mentioned that together with the arrests got here a way of hope. “We additionally invited the Particular Investigating Unit. We had been shadow-boxing with the Japanese Cape premier, Oscar Mabuyane, over his educational {qualifications}. I used to be in an excellent area. Plaatjies was lively, and I let him do his factor.”
After which got here the shock of Plaatjies’ arrest. “To say that Plaatjies was near me is an understatement … He knew what I used to be pondering and what I used to be planning. I listened to him, and his recommendation carried essentially the most vital weight concerning police issues. He was my interface individual with the SAPS, the Hawks and everybody else.”
Throughout a gathering with police investigators on 16 November 2023, which Plaatjies additionally attended, a normal who was current requested to talk to Buhlungu alone.
“The final broke the information to me that they’re arresting Plaatjies as we communicate. I virtually fell off the chair … I may have blacked out for a minute, however I didn’t. Throughout these troublesome occasions of murders and so forth, I realized to handle my feelings shortly. If it was a shock I’ve realized to shorten the time of the shock after which pay attention, be alert and consider the subsequent transfer.”
Plaatjies was promptly arrested on the assembly. “There was a small military of cops exterior … They took Plaatjies … and had a automotive ready to take him away … It should have been a really lonely time for him. He had styled himself as the final, the showman. That’s what folks known as him, , the final.”
Plaatjies was summarily dismissed from the college when it emerged that he had faked his {qualifications}. “I don’t assume he noticed the arrest coming. He had an exaggerated sense of his personal untouchability and invincibility, and he was a cocky man. The issues he was doing had been brazen.”
Driving again from East London, Buhlungu realised that his driver didn’t know what was taking place. “I immediately thought, I can’t inform him about Plaatjies; he’ll roll this automotive. He was working with Plaatjies and he trusted him. So, I sat [quiet] for 3 hours. My head was spinning. My driver was utterly oblivious.”
Buhlungu ultimately advised his driver what had occurred once they had been close to his residence. The person’s shock mirrored what could be felt on campus when information of Plaatjies’ arrest grew to become recognized. Folks had been stunned and scared – they’d opened as much as him and, immediately, it turned out that he was concerned.
However, mentioned Buhlungu, there was additionally a robust view that Plaatjies was being framed, that it was a plot to “get” to the vice-chancellor.
“I went into overdrive the day after his arrest. My message was there are two sides to the story: he has both been framed or been concerned. I mentioned we’ve time, don’t rush to take a place. Droop your judgement. Let’s hear what he says when he applies for bail. Folks wished to boost cash for his defence … some folks had been intensely loyal.
“He was a really charming individual. He has one thing about him.
“He went for bail, and it was denied 3 times. Now he’s attempting for a fourth time and we haven’t seen the result but. After his first or second bail utility, folks misplaced religion that he had been framed.
“I by no means spoke to him once more. I’ll most likely by no means see him once more.”
Throughout Plaatjies’ bail utility, the Justice of the Peace described him as “dishonest and harmful”.
“I’ve come to assume precisely that now,” Buhlungu mentioned.
Talking about Vesele’s homicide, Buhlungu mentioned Plaatjies’ callous behaviour on that day shocked him when the reality got here out in court docket. The settlement was at all times that the bodyguard would telephone Buhlungu to let him know he had arrived residence safely.
“On that day, Plaatjies known as me because the killing was taking place. The following factor he says to me: ‘Has Vesele phoned?’ I mentioned no, I’m stunned he has not.
“Plaatjies phoned me later. He then stopped our dialog and mentioned there was one other name coming in. When he got here again on the road, he was all hysterical and crying. He mentioned Vesele had been killed. And he mentioned: ‘I’m in Colesberg on my approach to the ANC’s January 8 Assertion in Bloemfontein. I’m doing a U-turn.’ Then he Whats-Apped me. He mentioned he was going to Graaff-Reinet as a result of he was in shock and wanted an injection. In court docket, we heard he had been in East London the entire time. He had lied to me,” Buhlungu mentioned.
“I’m assured that the case can be prosecuted. I’m happy with the investigation’s depth, and I can be watching it carefully.”
Buhlungu mentioned the previous two years had taken their toll on him each professionally and personally, however he was not complaining.
“It comes with the territory, I suppose. I managed to trim my life proper down. The final time I walked in Alice should have been six years in the past. I used to like strolling, however now I can’t do it. I can’t buy groceries in Fort Beaufort. I’m going on a really protected journey to East London. I can’t go window-shopping and greet mates. I can’t go to eating places for a meal in these components. We solely go when there’s a convoy – perhaps spend a bit time at Hogsback, however it’s simply out and in whereas being protected,” he mentioned.
“I’m not that sociable, so I’m not complaining. However this alone time allowed me to recharge in a short time after every shock to get a brand new perspective – a greater perspective on life, the world and the college.”
He has been overwhelmed by the neighborhood’s help and by folks urgent upon him to not give up his battle for justice, and to not let the “thieves prevail”.
“Quickly after Vesele’s demise, the South African Council of Church buildings convened a prayer assembly right here on campus. We seated 15,000 folks on that day – college students, employees and neighborhood members. It was a spotlight for me, but it surely didn’t cease there. Persons are writing me letters of help. That’s what issues essentially the most.
“I immerse myself as a lot as doable in these areas. The folks of Alice know we’re right here for them. The scholars noticed this occur they usually had been shocked like everybody else, however they went on with life.”
Buhlungu mentioned he created the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup soccer competitors for college kids, the College students’ Consultant Council (SRC) and the employees to tackle each other, and his pleasure is apparent when he talks about how he and the campus have been in a position to choose up the items after the murders and all of the stunning revelations.
“This previous Saturday and Sunday, the place was only a blast of color, smiles, vitality and folks. I performed myself,” Buhlungu mentioned, whipping out his cellphone to indicate the images of him in motion.
“I’m making the most effective of my life underneath difficult circumstances. I can stroll right here on campus and I play right here. I performed the entire first half of the sport. In a really minute approach, that illustrates my life right here.
“I give a tour of the Alice campus. We’re a Nationwide Heritage Website. I take 20 folks at a time. We trip the bus, we stroll. I take the first-year college students and I present them the whole lot. I haven’t gone residence the final three weekends. I pack my weekends with the campus excursions. I’ve bridged the hole between myself and others, college students and employees,” he mentioned.
“I’m an mental impartial. I don’t toe the road. I’ve by no means accomplished it and am not going to begin doing it now. I didn’t come right here as a political alternative.
“There may be hope now – one thing larger than hope.”
![](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fort-Hare-VC-Cup-e1711217267112.jpg)
Professor Sakhela Buhlungu (centre) with college students through the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup Day. (Photograph: Provided)
Timeline
2017: Professor Sakhela Buhlungu begins his tenure because the vice-chancellor of the College of Fort Hare.
2017-2019: The college is rocked by scholar and employees protests.
2020: After noticing troubling practices and maladministration, Buhlungu begins investigations and implements sweeping reforms. What he doesn’t know is that this has put him within the firing line of alleged syndicates at work on the college.
Might 2022: The college’s fleet supervisor, Petrus Roets, considered one of Buhlungu’s appointees, is shot lifeless at his home in Gonubie. Buhlungu and different key personnel are given safety.
5 August 2022: The Particular Investigating Unit begins an investigation into tenders and diploma programmes on the college.
January 2023: Bodyguard Mboneli Vesele is shot and killed exterior Buhlungu’s home in what’s believed to be a missed hit on the vice-chancellor.
April 2023: 5 suspects are arrested and charged. They’re: Bongani Peter, the college’s chief working transport officer; Wanini Khuza, a retired supervisor of drivers on the East London campus (he had been introduced again on contract and was the chancellor’s driver); Sicelo Mbulawa, a former scholar consultant council member and businessman who supplies automobile restore companies to the college; Mthobisi Khanyile and Mthobisi Dlamini, alleged hitmen from KwaZulu-Natal, each with lengthy felony data. Their bail functions are initially refused, however Mbulawa is later granted R75,000 bail by the Japanese Cape Division of the Excessive Court docket in Makhanda.
July 2023: A policeman connected to the detective companies in Mthatha, Constable Lindokuhle Manjati, is arrested, charged and added as accused quantity six.
August 2023: Zimele Chiliza, a taxi boss from KwaZulu-Natal, and legal professional Pelisa Nkonyeni are added as accused numbers seven and eight, respectively. Chiliza is launched on R100,000 bail and Nkonyeni on R50,000 bail.
September 2023: Thamsanqa Mgwetyana, who has been hiding from the police in KwaZulu-Natal, is discovered and added as accused quantity 9. He stays incarcerated. In court docket, it’s mentioned that he was the one who linked Isaac Plaatjies, the college’s director of vetting and investigations, to the murders.
17 November 2023: Plaatjies is arrested, charged and added as accused quantity 10. He stays incarcerated. Within the newest court docket ruling in his makes an attempt to get bail, the Justice of the Peace says he was the one who drew up the hit listing. He’s described as harmful and dishonest by the court docket. DM
This story first appeared in our weekly Day by day Maverick 168 newspaper, which is offered countrywide for R29.
[ad_2]
Source link