Murdered mining magnate Brett Kebble had an intimate relationship with a young man, the Afrikaans-language Rapport newspaper reported on Sunday.
Quoting unnamed police sources, the newspaper said the relationship came to light during the wide-ranging investigation into the wealthy businessman’s shooting death in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs in 2005.
Rapport identified the young man only as “Vaughn”, and said he worked as a male prostitute in Gauteng. The man’s surname was being withheld on legal advice.
Vaughn was interviewed after police examined cellphone records and he admitted a relationship had existed between him and Kebble, a married man with four children.
Rapport added Vaughn was not the only male sex worker Kebble knew. But, quoting a police officer, the newspaper said Kebble had a “soft spot” for Vaughn.
Kebble reportedly paid up to R1Â 000 a meeting with Vaughn and at one stage bought him a car.
The newspaper said the relationship between the magnate and Vaughn was in no way linked to the murder.
Rapport quoted Guy Kebble, Brett’s brother, as saying he is shocked about the claims regarding his brother’s lifestyle.
The investigation into the killing of Kebble — a strong supporter of black economic empowerment who was on good terms with several senior members of the African National Congress — is ongoing. No arrests have been made. — Sapa