A tragic event unfolded in Mpumalanga, where a gardener’s life was cut short due to a pit bull attack.

The dog’s owner has been identified as Phillemon Letwaba, the former chief operating officer of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

This incident raises serious questions about safety and responsibility among pet owners, especially those in positions of authority.

The Victim and the Attack

The gardener, named Stevens Mabuse, was viciously mauled by Letwaba’s pit bull on the morning of October 18.

Mabuse, who was 58 years old, had returned home to the house in Marapyane, where he lived and cared for the dogs.

It was reported that he had gone out the previous evening and was attacked as he re-entered the premises.

Colonel Donald Mdhluli of the South African Police Service (SAPS) explained that the pit bulls were typically kept locked up, only released for patrols between 1:00 AM and 4:30 AM.

Mabuse’s lifeless body was discovered by a security guard, who found him with multiple injuries next to the dog.

Emergency personnel arrived shortly after and sadly confirmed that he had passed away at the scene.

This incident has sparked outrage and concern in the community regarding dog ownership and public safety.

Aftermath and Investigations

In the wake of this horrifying event, an inquest was launched.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) took swift action, euthanizing the pit bull on October 19 as part of their protocols following such incidents.

The community is left grappling with the loss of a beloved member while questioning the owner’s accountability for the dog’s actions.

Letwaba’s Controversial Past

Phillemon Letwaba’s troubles extend beyond this tragic incident.

He resigned from the NLC just weeks before facing disciplinary action in 2022 over allegations of corruption.

Accusations suggest he funneled multimillion-rand grants to non-profit organizations associated with friends and family.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has also been actively pursuing Letwaba.

In April of this year, they secured a court order to halt the sale of a farm in Limpopo linked to Letwaba and his brother, Johannes.

This farm, covering over 3,426 hectares and valued at R5 million, is registered under the Mosokoti Business Trust, managed by the Letwaba brothers.

Financial Misconduct Uncovered

The SIU launched an investigation after receiving a whistleblower tip regarding the farm sale’s potential connection to NLC funds.

Their findings revealed that the farm was purchased using money siphoned from NLC grants, specifically linked to the Lulamisa Community Development Organisation (NPO).

This organization had sought R85 million to host the Commonwealth Games, purportedly to benefit South Africa and enhance Durban’s economy.

Instead, the NLC approved a grant of R80 million in two payments, of which a significant amount ended up in payments to Iron Bridge Travelling Agency, owned by Letwaba’s wife, Rebotile Malomane.

Moving Forward

The intertwining of this tragic dog attack with allegations of financial misconduct from a former high-ranking official highlights the urgent need for accountability and ethical standards, not just in dog ownership, but in all sectors of public service.

As investigations unfold, both the community and authorities will be watching closely to ensure justice is served.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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