---

The chief director in the Integrity Management Unit, Mabidi Izzy Machaba (57), was investigating corruption and misrepresentations in the multi-million-rand Premier’s Youth Fund at the time he was shot. - source

---

Sizwe sama Yende

---

A senior official in the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier who was shot multiple times has succumbed to his injuries and died.

Mabidi Izzy Machaba (57), a chief director in the Integrity Management Unit, which investigates corruption in the provincial government and municipalities, was shot multiple times last year. He spent time in a coma in hospital until he passed on last Thursday.

Machaba’s shooting was then followed by another deadly attack early this year. Deputy director, Andrew Nkosi, was fatally shot but the reasons are still unknown.  

It is alleged that there had been enmity among officials in the Office of the Premier.

The deaths allegedly put provincial director-general, Makhukhu Mampuru, at loggerheads with former premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. Mampuru allegedly hired himself bodyguards at government’s cost without following procedures and with the former premier’s knowledge.

Mampuru had to take leave of absence until Mtshweni-Tsipane left after the elections as she could no longer work with him. He is now back in the province. The People’s Eye understands that Premier Mandla Ndlovu is yet to decide if he keeps him or not.

Mpumalanga government spokesperson, George Mthethwa, confirmed receiving our questions about the deaths on Monday. His comments will be added later.

Mampuru has indicated previously that he was unwilling to comment.

In May, two officials attached to the Office of the Premier were ambushed by criminals at a bed & breakfast establishment in Emalahleni and had their car keys confiscated. 

The deaths and attacks on officials seem to be a serious issue but they have been played down considering that Mpumalanga has been the epicentre of assassinations especially against corruption-busting officials and politicians.

A source close to Machaba said that his unit was investigating corruption and misrepresentations in the multi-million rand Premier’s Youth Fund when he was shot.

The source said that Machaba was tailed as he drove to attend an imbizo in Secunda.

“He was followed from Mbombela to Secunda. After the imbizo, he was followed to Pretoria. Along the way his car was stopped, and four gunmen came out of their car, and without wasting time, they shot him 29 times. He was left to die along the road,” the source said.

“After the incident, the gunmen took his laptop and all documents in his car, which proves this was work-related. Only 29 spent cartridges were found in his car.”

No one has been arrested yet for Machaba’s death.