BREAKING: Former AKA bodyguard among 15 arrested for the Fort Hare University murders
Anwar Khan the former bodyguard of slain rapper AKA is among 15 people arrested for the Fort Hare University murders. Here is the latest.
Among the 15 people arrested for the Fort Hare University murders is the former bodyguard of slain rapper AKA.
AUTHORITIES ARRESTED THE CELEBRITY BODYGUARD ANWAR KHAN OVER THE WEEKEND
During the weekend, authorities arrested the celebrity bodyguard, Anwar Khan, amid corruption and murder investigations at the institution.
Weeks after being interviewed and discussing his humble beginnings and ascent up the protection services ladder, authorities arrested him.
Khan opened up about his relationship and longevity with AKA via the podcast interview while also expanding on the dynamics of celebrity protection.
KHAN IS EXPECTED TO APPEAR IN COURT ON TUESDAY
He provided viewers with an overview of his career to date, which involved training overseas in secret services, VIP protection, and bodyguarding, among other things.
Khan, along with 14 others, is expected to appear in the Dimbaza Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that authorities arrested fifteen people over the weekend in connection with the killings at the University of Fort Hare, with fourteen of them being senior staff members.
THEY FACE A STRING OF CHARGES INCLUDING MURDER, FRAUD, CORRUPTION AND KIDNAPPING
They face a string of charges ranging from fraud, corruption, kidnapping, murder, and attempted murder.
Eastern Cape police are maintaining high visibility at the court ahead of the appearance.
AUTHORITIES ARRESTED A TOTAL OF 15 MORE PEOPLE OVER THE EASTER WEEKEND
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the police arrested 15 more people in the last couple of days.
“The suspects were arrested in various provinces over the Easter weekend including, Gauteng, the Eastern and Western Cape as well as KwaZulu-Natal.”Mathe said.
HERE IS A COMPREHENSIVE TIMELINE:
- 2017: Professor Sakhela Buhlungu assumes the role of vice-chancellor at the University of Fort Hare.
- 2017-2019: The university experiences a series of protests from both students and staff.
- 2020: Buhlungu launches investigations and implements reforms after uncovering concerning practices and mismanagement, unwittingly becoming a target of alleged syndicates operating within the university.
- May 2022: Someone fatally shoots Petrus Roets, the university’s fleet manager and one of Buhlungu’s appointees, in Gonubie. Buhlungu and other key personnel receive protection.
- 5 August 2022: The Special Investigating Unit initiates a probe into tenders and degree programs at the university.
- January 2023: An assailant fatally shoots and kills Bodyguard Mboneli Vesele outside Buhlungu’s residence, believed to be a failed assassination attempt on the vice-chancellor.
- April 2023:Authorities arrest and charge five suspects, including university staff and alleged hitmen. Initially, they deny bail applications, but later grant bail to one suspect, Sicelo Mbulawa.
- July 2023:Authorities arrest Constable Lindokuhle Manjati, a police officer from Mthatha, and he becomes the sixth accused.
- August 2023:Authorities add Zimele Chiliza, a taxi operator, and attorney Pelisa Nkonyeni as the seventh and eighth accused. They grant bail to both individuals.
- September 2023: Authorities apprehend Thamsanqa Mgwetyana, who was hiding in KwaZulu-Natal, and he becomes the ninth accused.
- 17 November 2023: During his bail hearing, the court describes Isaac Plaatjies, the university’s director of vetting and investigations, as dangerous and deceitful after arresting him, making him the tenth accused.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, says the task team will continue to do their work without fear or favour.
“The team has been hard at work getting to the bottom of who is behind fraud, corruption, and the murders at the university. They will continue to investigate and hunt those who are found to have had a hand in any wrongdoing. Our focus is to bring before court a case that will be able to stand in court with all the evidence that has been collected by the team,”said General Masemola.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT 14 OF THE 15 INDIVIDUALS ARE SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS
On Tuesday, we expect General Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police, and General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, to attend court proceedings.