Two State Capture whisttleblowers may have been targeted because of their involvement in fighting corruption. Photo: Supplied
Suspicious: Intruders hit State Capture whistleblower homes days apart
Former GCIS boss Themba Maseko and former SARS executive Johann van Loggerenberg had intruders at their homes. Both testified before the Zondo commission.
Two State Capture whisttleblowers may have been targeted because of their involvement in fighting corruption. Photo: Supplied
Former GCIS boss and State Capture whistleblower Themba Maseko said two men were on the roof above his bedroom on Friday, 14 January. Days later, former SARS executive Johann van Loggerenberg’s house was burgled – he also gave evidence to the Zondo Commission.
MASEKO SAYS THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF FORCED ENTRY
On 14 January, Maseko took to Twitter and reported that a “very suspicious crime event” had taken place at his home in the early hours of the morning.
“At about 03:15 this morning we were woken up by noises in our roof directly above my bedroom. I woke up, checked through the bathroom window, saw a thug in the roof,” said the former government communications boss who was described as a stumbling block to State Capture before he was removed from his position and the floodgates allegedly opened.
Maseko said he shouted at the intruder and told his wife to press the alarm panic button.
“She pressed the panicked button and heard a second person running on the roof. Neighbourhood security responded within minutes and the thugs had disappeared,” said Maseko.
Maseko said there were no signs of forced entry at his property and his electric fence did not trigger the alarm. He added that the police arrived within in minutes to help with the investigation and said there were no injuries or stolen items.
“Consequently, I will miss the whistleblowers’ media meeting this afternoon. We shall overcome!”
Maseko told EWN that the timing of the incident was suspicious, especially since it happened soon after the release of the State Capture Report.
“There’s no sign of any forced entry so this appears to have been very organised and I have been vocal fronts especially on state capture,” said the whistleblower.
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ANOTHER WHISTLEBLOWER TARGETED
On Tuesday, 18 January, the lawyers of Johann van Loggerenberg issued a statement, about a burglary at his home, on his behalf.
The former SARS exec said his home and home office were invaded during the early hours of Tuesday morning “by criminals.”
“Given the poor state of our criminal justice system and the high crime levels in South Africa, it may simply be of a general criminal nature. However, entry was attempted with some sophistication via various entry points at my home in a very suspicious manner,” said van Loggerenberg.
Van Loggerenberg, however, said he believes there is a possibility that the break-in was no ordinary crime, as there are “four very distinct indicators” that suggest he was targeted. He would not explain the indicators because they may be valuable to the police investigation.
Van Loggerenberg emphasised that he is a whistleblower of State Capture events at SARS and within the Criminal Justice System and State Intelligence Agencies from 2014 onwards.
He also pointed out that the first volume of the State Capture Report had specific references to the evidence he provided.
“Those I have implicated are aware of the nature of the evidence against them. I have had to live with receiving various threats and warnings against my safety for many years, from as far as 2014 and onwards,” he said.
Van Loggerenberg said he has always reported the threats against him to the relevant authorities but has not received assistance in dealing with said threats from SARS, State Intelligence or the police.
The whistleblower wished to inform the break-in suspects – if they are connected to those he implicated – that the stolen documents are mere copies and the real evidence is kept safe elsewhere.
“What they managed to steal are mere copies and the proper records are safely kept elsewhere. I am also not intimidated by the event. I call upon all South Africans to join all efforts to ensure that the government takes the safety of whistle-blowers and state witnesses seriously.”
