Democracy The African way

Lekota bodyguard 'abducted'

Johannesburg - The bodyguard of ANC veteran Mosiuoa Lekota was abducted by armed gunmen outside Pretoria on Friday, the former defence minister told Sapa.

Lekota said the incident appeared to be related to his criticism of the new African National Congress leadership earlier in the week.

"One of the abductors told him, 'this party you and Lekota want to form, you will form in heaven'."

Lekota said his bodyguard, Sello Mpyaatona, visited his medical doctor at Section J J in Soshanguve, northwest of Pretoria, for a check-up in the morning.

"He left the surgery [at] about 09:00. As he was driving back, he noticed a car flickering its lights behind him."

The occupants gestured to him to stop, which he did. A man got out, carrying a large envelope.

"Sello saw the barrel of a gun through a hole in the envelope. He was ordered into the driving seat of his car, and the gunman got in behind him," Lekota said.

"Sello was directed to follow a gravel road and later ordered to stop in a field. After searching the car, they took two cellphones, Sello's watch, about R5 000 in cash, and the car keys."

Lekota said the remark about a new party was made by one of the gunmen before they left.

The bodyguard was forced to put his head on the steering wheel, and ordered not to look up.

"Sello heard them pulling away in another car," Lekota said.

"He then walked to the tarred road to try to find a lift. As Sello reached the tarred road, he saw his keys lying on the ground."

Lekota said his bodyguard arrived home about 15:00.

"He reported the matter to the police in Pretoria North, and the matter is now in their hands."

A spokesperson for the police in the Ga-Rankuwa, Captain Prince Mokhabela, was not immediately able to confirm that such an incident had been reported.