Johannesburg - A number of South Africans are wondering if there is a plot to take out ANC Deputy President David Mabuza, who is also known as the “CAT”.
Mabuza’s convoy was involved in a freak accident in Middleburg, Mpumalanga, on Sunday. One of his Presidential Protection Service (PPS) died on the scene, and two others were seriously injured, but the deputy president was not in the car.
This is the second accident in recent months.
Mabuza has also survived poisoning incidents for a long time.
In 2021, he took sick leave and travelled to the Russian Federation for a couple of months while receiving medical treatment.
Mabuza is in the presidential run in the ANC’s 55th National Conference, scheduled to take place from 16 to 20 December in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.
Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the management of the SAPS are saddened by the death of one of its members due to a motor vehicle accident.
Mathe confirmed that at about 10:30 on Sunday, 20 November 2022, Mabuza’s motorcade was travelling between Mpumalanga and Gauteng when one of the back-up vehicles' tyre burst, causing the vehicle to roll over.
Three members who were in the vehicle sustained serious injuries. One of these members was declared dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Mathe said the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Unit had been dispatched to notify the families of the deceased member and the injured members.
“The National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has, on behalf of the SAPS, sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member and also wished the injured members a speedy recovery,” Mathe said.
A case of culpable homicide was registered at the Middleburg Police Station for investigation.
South Africans took to social media platform, Twitter to share their views.
User named Maxwell Jango wrote: “Serious and concerned investigation must be with a highly qualified and experienced team. This vehicle with the burst tyre, it's impossible.
The run flat tyre is designed for this car. So on the highway no potholes. What was the reason for the tyre to burst”.
Another user, Mzwakhe Zulu wrote: “Not so long ago there was a crash on his motorcade… something is not right”.
Another user, Sithembiso Sithole wrote: “Remember the 9 life's don't stay the same each time u escape dead ,the question is how many life's he left with now”.
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za
The Star