Bullet in letterbox: Death threats made against Presidency Director-General

The Presidency announced that its Director-General, Phindile Baleni, received a death threat from unknown persons this week. The threat was made via a letter in Baleni’s letterbox. It was accompanied by a bullet.

THREAT MADE AGAINST PRESIDENCY BIGWIG

The Presidency said State Security Agencies have been notified and the matter is under investigation, in a statement on Saturday, 4 June.

“Several days ago Ms Baleni received a threat by an unknown person or persons who seemingly want to affect Presidency’s processing of the findings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption & Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State,” wrote the Presidency.

Baleni reportedly found the threatening letter in her letterbox at home. It was in an envelope with a bullet.

The letter reads:

“Dear Miss Baleni,

Please take the following into consideration.

1. Advice the Justice to release suspect of Babita Deokaran no case against them.

2. Advice the president not to proceed with State Capture findings.

We don’t want you to be like… Thabo Masebe… Babita… Thabo Moerane… We know where you live and all your visiting points. The plan is complete but only if you consider our proposal then, the deal will be struck off.

The president listen to you than any other person. Those two cars you always travel with… we have a good plan for them. We are not scared of those soldiers that are escorting you.

Something special is on for you. Any province you travel we have our eyes on the ground… time is ticking…”

Baleni is under protection and continuing with her duties as Director-General of the Presidency, Cabinet Secretary and convenor of the Forum of South African Directors-General, said the government.

The presidency was adamant that the fight against crime and corruption would be unaffected by the threat against Baleni.

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