The provincial ANC leadership has indicated that all those arrested in connection with party regional secretary, Obuti Chika’s murder should face the full might of the law regardless of their standing in the organisation.

This came after three of the six arrested suspects being confirmed as ANC leaders with positions of influence in communities.

One of them, Papiki Baboile, 27, is provincial chairperson of one of the ANCYL factions. The other two are party ward secretary in Klerksdorp, Paul Molomonyane, 33, and councillor Itumeleng Nolabatsi, 50.

Together with other suspects, the three face a charge of premeditated murder and speculation is rife that some more senior party members would be arrested in connection with the case.

They would appear for bail application February 27.

Meanwhile, the Hawks continue to dangle a R200000 reward for anyone who would come up with information that would lead to the successful arrest and prosecution of the suspect(s).

Provincial ANC spokesperson, Kenny Morolong, said that no one was above the law and the party would want to see justice done on the matter.

“Chika was a devoted activist and a distinguished leader of our movement whose passion for justice was inspiring. Those who assassinated him have robbed this country of great potential and his loss is still deeply felt within structures of our movement,” Morolong said.

He indicated that while due space should be given to those investigating the case, the party remained disturbed by the murder of Chika.

“While we believe in the principle of presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, we are equally of a view that no one is above the law, and whoever is responsible for death of our comrade must face the full might of the law, regardless of the social standing or even position in the ANC,” Morolong said.

“Chika’s family needs to see justice prevailing for they have lost someone who meant everything to them, a child, brother, husband and father.”

Chika, 33, died on December 14 last year after he was shot at point-blank range in the driveway of his home in Alabama, Klerksdorp.

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