The Gauteng provincial government (GPG) conveyed its condolences on Wednesday to the family of Premier Nomvula Mokonyane following her son’s death.
“The GPG and its executive council (Exco) wish the premier and her family strength and perseverance in these trying times,” it said in a statement.
The body of Retlabusa Mokonyane (23) was found in a townhouse in Bassonia, south of Johannesburg, on Tuesday afternoon.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Neville Malila said no crime was suspected.
“Preliminary police investigations at the scene has indicated that no foul play was suspected and an inquest docket was opened for investigation,” he said in a statement.
No comment on cause of death
He declined to comment on contradicting newspaper reports on Wednesday that claimed he had shot himself, and that he had hanged himself.
“The cause of death is still under investigation,” said Malila.
The Gauteng provincial government and the premier’s office’s asked for people to respect the family’s privacy.
“The family needs their space at this time,” said the premier’s spokesperson Dumisani Zulu.
Zulu told the Mail and Guardian that he could not comment as it was a completely private matter.
He said the office of the premier was not planning to release any media statements on Wednesday, referring all queries to the family.
ANC sends sympathies
The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng expressed shock and sadness on Wednesday after the death of the premier’s.
“We must all console and support the family in the current moment of the tragic loss of a young brilliant son,” the provincial ANC said in a statement.
“The ANC Gauteng provincial executive committee is shocked and saddened at the unexpected death … We send our heart-warm condolences to the family, cadres, relatives and friends.”
Troubled
Retlabusa often made the news, most recently at the weekend when the Sunday Times published a story headlined, “Is the premier’s son being protected?”
The report said more than eight cases had been opened against him, including charges of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and abduction, but these were all later withdrawn.
It also reported that Retlabusa, after colliding with a police vehicle on November 7 allegedly while drunk, was “mysteriously” released from custody after the police station received a phone call from an unknown person.
This prompted the Democratic Alliance (DA) to call for an investigation into “the hugely suspicious withdrawal of various criminal charges against Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s son, Retlabusa”.
DA leader in Gauteng, Jack Bloom, said in a statement: “Mokonyane’s fine words about fighting corruption mean nothing if political connections can be used to escape justice …
“We need to know who phoned the Kagiso police station that night to order his release and who authorised this phone call.
“This is Mokonyane’s moment of truth. If it is found that she is directly implicated then she must resign,” said Bloom. — Sapa, Staff reporter