Babadi Tlatsana state capture witness

South Africa – Johannesburg – 21 June 2019 – Babadi Tlatsana of Koreneka Trading and Projects, appeared before the state capture in inquiry in Parktown.
Photo: Itumeleng English / African News Agency (ANA)

Fear and intimidation cause state capture witness to flee South Africa

State capture enquiry witness Babadi Tlatsana has fled South Africa, apparently out of the fear that her life was in danger.

Babadi Tlatsana state capture witness

South Africa – Johannesburg – 21 June 2019 – Babadi Tlatsana of Koreneka Trading and Projects, appeared before the state capture in inquiry in Parktown.
Photo: Itumeleng English / African News Agency (ANA)

Owner of Koreneka Trading and Projects Babadi Tlatsana, a key witness in the on-going state capture enquiry, has left the country out of fear for her life the Zondo Commission has heard.

State capture witness implicates two government ministers

Tlatsana made headlines in June 2019 after her testimony to the state capture enquiry was full of tales of graft and corruption, and even implicated then government ministers Dipuo Peters and Lynne Brown.

Koreneka Trading and Projects apparently became intertwined with state capture after it was sub-contracted by SA Express to operate ground-handling services at two North West airports. This despite the company having very little experience in the field before the awarding of the contract.

After it was awarded the tender by SA Express, Tlatsana claims the company was effectively taken over by former SA Express general manager Brian van Wyk and used to syphon money away from the state carrier.

Claims business was hijacking to siphon money away from SA Express

This came with the claim that she was instructed to pay R20 million to the two ministers mentioned above.

“The business was hijacked from me. The business was hijacked in the beginning because a lot of things were happening… I would not know, I would just see on the phone that money has gone.”

Following her testimony at the state capture enquiry, the Democratic Alliance announced its intention lay charges of corruption against Brown, Peters, and former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Decision to flee South Africa

However, further claims from Tlatsana’s representatives suggest she was forced to flee the country out of fear for her life.

On Thursday, evidence leader Advocate Kate Hofmeyr read an affidavit submitted by Tlatsana’s attorney.

“He was advised by his client that out of fear for her safety after her testimony to this commission, she decided to remove herself from the territorial limits of the Republic of South Africa after having testified before the commission,” Hofmeyer said, according to Eye Witness News.

“Ms Tlatsana advised that she observed the suspicious activity around her residential property in Mahikeng where unknown men, who did not identify themselves, approached family members inquiring about her whereabouts.”

State capture taking witness protection very seriously

This is not the first time witnesses for the state capture enquiry have reported intimidation and threats following their testimony.

Jacob Zuma, Angelo Agrizzi, and Vytjie Mentor all revealed threats following their testimony to the enquiry.

It is a concern the commission is taking very seriously and has dispatched investigators to aid with matters relating to security.