Makhosi Khoza rejects protection offer

She has received death threats for nearly three months. 

She has recently spoken out against allegations of state capture and most recently called on President Jacob Zuma to step down.

Her call for a secret ballot during the motion of no confidence in the president has also received widespread criticism from within the governing party.

"I have chosen not to accept the police protection that was finally offered to me by Parliament and the SAPS. I cannot expect my 'executioner' to plead mercy for me," Khoza says in a statement. 

The statement was sent via email and published on her Facebook profile.

"After much consideration, it is clear to me that I cannot accept protection from the same people that have been so reckless in their behaviour and who themselves have placed me in heightened danger."

She says protection services were only offered to her after the matter was thrust into the spotlight.

"I started receiving death threats over three months ago and I filed police reports over two months ago. I begged parliament for protection for myself and my family. This was denied to me. I therefore take action and sourced my own protection services."

Khoza says she has little basis on which to trust the protection she's been offered following the minister of police and his deputy's criticism of her.

Her statement comes hours after news of her being charged by the party's KwaZulu-Natal branch broke.

"I am consulting with my attorney on this matter. The ANC will need to explain why I am being singled out," Khoza says.

In a leaked charge sheet, the ANC accuses her of contravening 11 of the party's rules and that she brought the ANC into disrepute.

It relates to a number of public statements she made over the party as well as its leadership.

But Khoza says no action has been taken against other senior ANC officials, including MPs, who publicly raised similar concerns.

Her disciplinary hearing is set for 10 September. 

"As a life-long and loyal member of the ANC, I respect the processes of the organisation and I will attend the disciplinary hearing, as is required. I do, however, have significant reservations as to the fairness I can expect of the process, considering senior leaders within the ANC have publicly called for my dismissal."

Khoza further claims she is being "persecuted because I can no longer tow the party line."