Burglary or BS? Jessie Duarte denies claims she ‘fears for her life’

ANC Deputy-Secretary General Jessie Duarte has denied reports that her home has been burgled over the weekend. It was said by Sunday World that the politician was ‘fearing for her life’ after the break-in – but she states it never happened.

Was Jessie Duarte burgled? It doesn’t seem so…

Duarte, who does receive a security detail paid for by the ANC, has dismissed the report as fake news. There was no decision to increase the amount of protection for the Top Six member, who set the record straight yesterday.

ANC Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte has told eNCA that her home has not been burgled. She has responded to Sunday Newspaper reports that her life is in danger after her Gauteng home was broken into. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/Z9hr6KpCz3

— eNCA (@eNCA) August 8, 2021

Police Minister Bheki Cele has also chimed in, denying that any criminality took place at the property. He was less than pleased with the media organisation who broke the story, denouncing their article as dishonest.

“There is no member of the SA Police Services that is guarding either Jessie or her house. I saw the editorial of one paper this morning. I spoke to their reporter who raised the matter with me.”

ANC members rally behind DSG

The bizarre rumour was published on Sunday, and drew scathing condemnation from Nomvula Mokonyane. The ANC stalwart believed the story to be true and leaped to the defence of her fellow comrade – by suggesting that the issue was based on gender and power dynamics within the ruling party.

“It’s something that can only be done by men who are dealing with their own insecuritiesDuarte is a threat to some because she is doing great work by holding the fort in the political administration of the ANC and I think all of us, not only women, the entire ANC, should rally behind comrade Duarte.” | Nomvula Mokonyane