“My Life Is in Danger, They Want to Assassinate Me” – MK Party Leader Mkhwebane

 

Former Public Protector and senior MK Party leader in Mpumalanga, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, has raised alarm over alleged threats to her life following the circulation of a disturbing voice note online purportedly plotting her assassination.

Mkhwebane, who currently serves as one of the party’s provincial leaders, confirmed that she opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 11 October after receiving the audio clip. In the voice note, a man believed to be senior MK Party member Abednego Mkhatshwa allegedly expresses hatred towards her and discusses plans to kill her. “I have opened a case with SAPS. This threat cannot be taken lightly. Political killings are a reality in South Africa,” Mkhwebane said, emphasizing that she fears for her safety. She accused Mkhatshwa, reportedly a former provincial secretary with ambitions to lead the party in Mpumalanga, of treating her as a political rival amid ongoing factional tensions within the party’s provincial structures.

The MK Party’s Nkangala region, where Mkhwebane is based, issued a statement condemning the voice note, confirming its authenticity and warning that such remarks could incite violence. “These threats are dangerous and could inspire harm against comrade Mkhwebane,” the statement read. The region called on the party’s national leadership and law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and discipline Mkhatshwa if found guilty. Political analyst Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast said the incident reflects the internal instability within the MK Party, which has yet to hold an elective conference to democratically choose its leaders. He warned that ongoing factional infighting could damage the party’s reputation and derail its momentum ahead of future elections. As investigations continue, Mpumalanga police have confirmed receiving the case but declined to comment further, saying it remains under review.