Hawks probing ANC murder plot claim

The Hawks police unit is investigating a report of a murder plot against North West ANC politician Patrick Chauke.

"We can't talk more about it. We can only confirm that we received the report and we are looking into it," spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said on Monday.

The Sowetan newspaper reported that it had obtained a recording in which Dan Selebano, social development media liaison officer, is heard talking about the need to "stop" Chauke.

Chauke is a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in the North West.

In the conversation with a woman, who he was apparently recruiting to be part of the plot against Chauke, Selebano said he was willing to pay for the "mission".

"It's only that, one, this man [Chauke][ is enjoying what he is doing in destroying people, even politically, he's very involved. And somebody has to stop him. Like he is saying dilo tse di bua chelete (these things mean/require money). If it meant paying for the mission I would," Selebano was quoted as saying.

Chauke said the recording showed Selebano had been briefed to work out a plot to eliminate him.

"It is clear that he is prepared to implement what he has said," Chauke said.

"If I'm going to wait for a formal meeting to brief people, it may lead to me dying. That's why I must take it up with the police. I view this as a serious threat."

Selebano had reportedly admitted it was his voice on the recording and was adamant Chauke "must be stopped".

"I am not ashamed to say that. I meant that the man must be called to order because he was out of order."

When asked what he meant by payment for the "mission", Selebano said he was talking about petrol money because he did not use a government car, the newspaper reported.