DA joins call for probe into Madonsela death threat claim

“Violence and the threat thereof can, in no uncertain terms, be tolerated and the DA wants SAPS to take these allegations seriously and to ensure that threats on human life, both high profile and ordinary, are prevented and dealt with effectively,” said DA MP Zakhele Mbhele.

The Sunday Times reported that Madonsela was tipped off about an alleged plot to kill her in what would look like a fake car accident.

A Western Cape gangster reportedly funded it at R740 000 and Madonsela found out about it through an informer.

She told the police VIP Protection Unit and her security was beefed up while it is investigated.

Mbhele said that if the police do not act, he would write to the Western Cape Police Ombudsman, Vusi Pikoli, for a dereliction of duty probe.

“It cannot be that the heads of critical institutions in defence of our democracy can have threats made on their lives for acting in manner that is too independent in an effort to root out government corruption wherever it festers,” he said.

Madonsela and her colleagues have handled a number of highly controversial cases, including the spending on upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's home in Nkandla.

Madonsela has already been accused of being a CIA spy.

Last week the ANC hit back at her report on alleged conflation between party and the state in the Free State provincial government’s Operation Hlasela programme, describing her view as “unfortunate”.

Earlier yesterday, Congress of the People spokesperson Dennis Bloem said no one could be allowed to intimidate Madonsela.

“We can never condone the criminal activities of criminals and rogue elements wanting to take our key institutions hostage," he said.

“She must remain free and safe, for the little time she has left in office, to act fairly and fearlessly.”

Madonsela's term ends in October.

(File photo: Gallo Images)