North West minister for cooperative governance and traditional affairs China Dodovu.
Dodovu, who is accused of participating in a plot to murder the late Kenneth Kaunda regional secretary Oubuti Chika and current Matlosana local municipality mayor Mike Khauoe, told the media in Johannesburg that he will use all internal ANC channels to fight his suspension as the province's deputy chairperson.
Though the ANC in the North West refused to confirm his suspension, the Mail & Guardian has confirmed through three provincial executive committee members that the party took a decision to suspend Dodovu at a meeting held on Tuesday night, the day Dodovu was released on R20 000 bail by the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court.
Dodovu argued that the ANC Mangaung conference resolution one on organisational renewal, which says party members who face damaging allegations of improper conduct should face "more urgent steps", was used prematurely by the provincial ANC to get rid of him. According to Dodovu, until the integrity committee is established, the ANC cannot suspend him for allegations that are yet to be proven.
"It is safe to assume that the action that has been taken against me is not in line with the said resolution but is a hatchet job that is justified by a deliberate distortion of a resolution that is well-intended, but is now savaged by factionalists masquerading as custodians of morality," he said.
Dodovu, who arrived at the press conference with accused number three in tow, ANC Youth League provincial chairperson Papiki Baboile, claimed there was an "unholy alliance between some ANC leaders, the police and the prosecution" in a desperate campaign to get him dismissed from the North West provincial government where he's serving as minister for cooperative governance and traditional affairs.
The two drove from Klerksdorp to Johannesburg, with Dodovu saying he wanted to make his briefing accessible to most journalists.
Baboile said both him and Dodovu are yet to receive suspension letters from the ANC in the province.
'Connive with politicians'
​The two claimed they know who Chika's real killers are and that even the police know the truth.
"The police know who has committed this hideous crime [but] instead of doing their job they connive with other politicians," said Dodovu.
He refused to name politicians he alleged are working with police to stick Chika's murder on him.
"I don't think it's proper to reveal their names now, but in due course we'll be able to say who are those leaders who are involved in this matter."
The case against Dodovu, Baboile and six other accused was postponed to April 4.