Minister's son sought by police

MATABELELAND South Provincial Affairs minister, Abedinico Ncube's son, Emmanuel allegedly slapped a Home Affairs employee from the Gwanda Passport office yesterday with the back of his hand for ordering him to join the queue, after he failed to recognise him as the minister's son.

Emmanuel is now being sought by police after the official identified as Tiny Ndlovu made a report following the incident that happened at around 11 am yesterday.

According to sources, Emmanuel arrived at the passport office on Monday accompanying a female colleague, who wanted to apply for an urgent passport but was told by Ndlovu, who is not aware that he is the minister's son to join the queue.

However, Emmanuel is said to have been assisted quickly but insisted on accompanying the lady into the offices, but was advised by Ndlovu that it was improper to do so, as only applicants were allowed inside.

This reportedly did not go down with Emmanuel who felt Ndlovu was disrespecting him.

Emmanuel reportedly met Ndlovu as he walked outside office yesterday and stopped his car and interrogated him on his behaviour the previous day.

"As he was trying to explain that he was only doing his work, Emmanuel struck him with the back of his hand on the left cheek once and he is complaining of a sore ear," a source, who requested anonymity, said.

Contacted for comment Ndlovu confirmed he was assaulted by Emmanuel and had made a police report and a docket has since been opened. Efforts to contact Emmanuel were fruitless.

Contacted for comment, Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Philisani Ndebele could neither confirm nor deny the incident, saying he needed time to investigate the matter.

"Right now most people have knocked off from work and I need time to find out," he said.