THE FORMER head of ministry (HOM) at the Northern Cape Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Darius Babuseng, described how an act of self-defence drastically changed the course of his life.

He said that he spent four months in Rooigrond Correctional Centre after being sentenced to serve 15 years imprisonment for murder.

He won an appeal against his conviction and sentence in the Mmabatho High Court last year.

“I was a victim of circumstance. Prison is not a nice place to be, but I managed to survive. I am not deeply religious, but God got me through it, along with the support of my wife, family and friends,” said Babuseng.

In an exclusive interview with the DFA, he explained that he attended a family funeral in Mafikeng in November 2020. At around 8.30pm, the incident took place.

“I was dropping off my 72-year-old aunt at home that evening. My aunt walks with a limp after undergoing hip replacement surgery. As I assisted her in walking across the street, a car approached us at high speed. I told my aunt to increase her pace.”

Babuseng said that the car passed them and then reversed.

“A group of five youths climbed out of the vehicle and started poking my aunt on her forehead. They were holding beer bottles and were under the influence of alcohol. I told them to continue towards their destination and leave us alone. They kept on intimidating us and accused my aunt of being drunk.

“They turned their aggression on me when I advised them that she had a disability. At that point, I told my aunt to leave as the youngsters were being rude.”

Babuseng said he was hit over the head with a beer bottle as they made their way towards the house.

“A scuffle broke out because I had a duty to protect my elderly aunt, who was screaming, and to defend myself. My mother was also sitting inside the car.”

He added that the surface was slippery as it was raining.

“Any one of us could have been fatally injured had we slipped and hit our heads on the ground.”

He stated that everyone later left the scene.

“As I was preparing to depart for Kimberley the following day, my brother-in-law informed me that one of the youngsters who was involved in the fight had died.

“I decided to hand myself in. If I had known that anyone was seriously injured on the scene, I would have called for medical assistance. I was completely sober and unarmed.”

Babuseng said he could not comprehend why the lower court showed him no leniency.

“I am a first-offender and the act was not intentional. I do not have a history of violence and the court failed to take my personal circumstances or merits of the case into account. It is unfortunate that a young life was lost.”

Legal process to challenge his dismissal

Babuseng indicated that he was challenging his dismissal from the Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism in the Labour Court.

“I assisted in establishing provincial government and have over 20 years service at the department,” he noted.

He explained that he was currently involved in mining and agriculture interests in the Northern Cape and North West.

“I am grateful to have my life back. The ordeal has taught me to remain humble and serve others.”

He expressed an interest in serving on business forums and facilitating networks between local businesses and government, to grow the economy.

“The province has mineral riches and resources that can create jobs for everyone. Government has a duty to attract investors and foster an environment where businesses and mines can thrive.”

Babuseng pointed out that despite facing harsh consequences, he would always follow his instincts.

“I understand why people don't want to get involved, but I cannot look away when an injustice has occurred.”

#selfdefence

Former Northern Cape HOM reclaims his life following fatal act of self-defence