Politician who refused jail time, throws boiling water at police

Zolani Xego, a former branch chairman for the ANC in Buffalo City Metro, really did not want to go to prison.

Instead of willingly handing himself over to begin his eight-year sentence for fraud on Friday, 14 May, the politician allegedly threw boiling water at police.

POLITICIAN FAKED HIS DEATH FOR A LIFE POLICY

In January 2015, the East London Magistrates’ Court  sentenced the politician to 15 years imprisonment for faking his own death to claim a R3.6 million life policy.

Three years later, in October 2018, the Grahamstown High Court dismissed Xego’s appeal to have his conviction and sentence overturned, but reduced his 15 year jail sentence to eight years instead.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) the court further granted him R5 000 bail after he indicated that he would submit a petition to the Supreme Court of Appeal, however he never petitioned.

ACCUSED WAS SUPPOSED TO HAND HIMSELF IN BY 10 MAY

NPA Regional Spokesperson Anelisa Ngcakani, said the Hawks and Crime Intelligence officers arrived to collect Xego at his home, 9am on Friday.

“A notice was served on Xego on 4 May 2021 for him to report to the clerk of the court at the East London Magistrates’ Court to commence serving his prison sentence.”

The politician had until Monday, 10 May 2021 at 9am to hand himself over. However, Xego never pitched so a warrant for his arrest was issued on 10 May 2021.

“When the police arrived at his home in Southernwood, East London around 7am, Xego refused them entry. He allegedly threw boiling water at them when they eventually gained entry,” said Ngcakani.

The police reportedly retreated while Xego locked himself inside his home.  The accused however eventually handed himself over when his lawyer arrived at the scene.

READ: Jacob Zuma facing new court case this week – six things you need to know