The AbaThembu Royal House has officially stated that Dalinzolo Mareke, who was recently killed during a shootout with police in Mthatha West, was not a recognised traditional leader.
Story Summary:
- AbaThembu Royal House confirms that Dalinzolo Mareke was not a recognised traditional leader in Mthatha West.
- Mareke was shot and killed during a shootout with police, raising questions about his alleged involvement in extortion.
- Police have deployed specialised units to the Eastern Cape to combat extortion and gang-related violence.
AbaThembu king speaks on Dalinzolo Mareke’s death – ‘He was not a leader’
In a statement, the AbaThembu kingdom clarified that Mareke had no official standing within the traditional leadership structure of the area, distancing the royal house from any criminal activities allegedly associated with him.
“The Royal House of AbaThembu wishes to clarify that Mr Mareke was never a traditional leader and/or a chief of the Mthatha West Area,” the statement read.
The kingdom went on to warn individuals falsely claiming to hold traditional authority in the region while engaging in criminal activities, such as extortion, urging them to “immediately desist from such criminal behaviour.”
Mareke was shot and killed in a dramatic police confrontation on Wednesday.
He, along with two other armed suspects, was fatally wounded during a shootout with the National Intervention Unit.
The incident occurred amid increasing police efforts to address gang-related violence and extortion in the Eastern Cape.
Was Mareke’s murder linked to extortion?
The circumstances surrounding Mareke’s death have sparked speculation about his involvement in criminal activities, particularly extortion.
Mareke had recently dismissed claims of extortion in the local community, particularly regarding protection fees allegedly being demanded from schools.
In a public statement a week before his death, Mareke refuted any accusations of extortion, stating:
“The extortion allegations are not true, especially directed to schools. We do not know of any extortion cases.”
However, his sudden death during a shootout with the police has raised concerns.
The police were reportedly investigating his potential links to organised crime in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that Mareke and two others were armed when they were killed in the exchange of gunfire, adding to the growing suspicion that he may have been involved in more than just local community disputes.
As part of a larger effort to combat extortion and gang-related activities, National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola deployed specialised teams to the Eastern Cape.
“Communities cannot be held at ransom,” Masemola said, stressing that law enforcement is cracking down on protection fee gangs operating in the area.
The presence of organised crime, particularly extortion schemes, has become a significant issue, and Mareke’s death has further intensified efforts to uncover those responsible.
