Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has welcomed the sentencing of Delta Mokoena, a Councillor and a member of the Bushbuckridge Residence Association (BRA).
Mokoena has been sentenced to five years imprisonment of which three years is for intimidation and the other two years for accusing a community member of witchcraft by the Acornhoek Magistrate Court.
According to South African Police Service, on 10 September 2010, Mokoena intimidated a family in Brooklyn near Acornhoek. He told the family to vacate their house as he did not want to see them at that place anymore. He then threatened to kill them should they refuse to heed to his call. The following day, 11 September 2010, the family then relocated to Timbavati Trust also near Acornhoek.
Mokoena is also expected to appear in court on 03 December 2013 for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a young man on 3 March 2013 around Bushbuckridge. MEC Shongwe says that his sentencing will send a strong message to others who are also using their political power to harass and intimidate other people.
“People must be warned especially now that we are approaching elections that intimidation will not be tolerated. Intimidation and accusing people of witchcraft is a serious criminal offence and police must arrest them. We are living in a democratic country, therefore any form of abuse or intimidation cannot be accepted,” said Shongwe.
He commended the police for Mokoena’s arrest saying that security must continue to be strengthened especially during this time as there will be a lot of political parties’ campaigns preparing for elections next year.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
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