The police have initiated an inquest docket into the untimely demise of African National Congress MP Tina Joemat-Pettersson, according to a report by News24. While the exact cause of her death is yet to be determined in a final report from the Department of Health, this information will only be shared with her family and not made public. In compliance with the Inquest Act, the police are legally obligated to investigate any death that raises suspicions of being non-natural. Joemat-Pettersson had been involved in the impeachment proceedings against suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, where allegations of bribery were leveled against her, Section 194 committee chairperson Qubudile Dyantyi, and ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina.
During a recent media briefing, Mkhwebane attributed Joemat-Pettersson’s demise to the government, Parliament, and the judiciary. However, she admitted to lacking knowledge about the cause of death. Meanwhile, Mel Govender, the executive responsible for legal affairs and compliance at Eskom, the power utility company, expressed concerns over the fairness of former CEO André de Ruyter’s termination following his controversial interview with eNCA in February 2023, as reported by TimesLive. Govender raised doubts regarding the grounds for De Ruyter’s dismissal, particularly the allegation that he had brought disrepute to Eskom, stating that nothing in the interview had tarnished the company’s reputation. She revealed to the parliamentary standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) that the issues raised by De Ruyter in the interview were already known to Eskom. Additionally, Govender mentioned that she had not been consulted for legal advice prior to De Ruyter’s immediate dismissal. She firmly believed that Eskom and parliament should prioritize recovering losses and enhancing governance controls instead of targeting De Ruyter. Govender’s own departure from Eskom was influenced by the handling of De Ruyter’s exit.
Renowned BBC broadcaster Nicky Campbell expressed profound concern over the lack of justice surrounding 83-year-old South African citizen Iain Wares, whom he referred to as the “most prolific paedophile in British criminal history,” according to News24. Despite facing multiple charges related to lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior, as well as one charge of indecent assault against boys he taught in Scotland between 1969 and 1976, Wares currently resides in a retirement village in Cape Town without being incarcerated. In 2019, a Cape Town court ruled that he could be extradited to the UK to face allegations, but Wares is currently appealing the decision. Campbell, who attended the same school as Wares during the period of the alleged abuse, expressed concerns that Wares might evade justice if he passes away before being held accountable for his alleged actions.
