South Africa recalls consul-general to Shanghai 'found wandering naked'
South Africa has recalled its consul-general to Shanghai amid reports that he had been seen wandering naked in the streets near his official residence.
Lassy Chiwayo returned to Pretoria after his contract in China's commercial
capital was "terminated for health reasons", according to his
foreign office employers who said he was receiving treatment. A source told
The Daily Telegraph Mr Chiwayo had "mental health issues".
Two South
African newspapers reported that Mr Chiwayo, an ANC veteran who
spent time imprisoned on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela, was found
walking naked close to his home three months ago.
One report, in this week's Sunday World, suggested that his al fresco walks
were a regular occurrence, quoting a source as saying: "He would
disappear for days without trace and he would be found walking around naked."
Mr Chiwayo was also reported to have assaulted Dr Bheki Langa, South Africa's
ambassador to China, at a function in Beijing and been "incoherent"
in his dealings with other embassy staff.
The saga is embarrassing for South Africa as it comes just weeks before it
hosts Xi Jinping, the new Chinese president, on his first trip abroad since
taking office, for a summit of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South
Africa (Brics) trade grouping.
The 44-year-old politician has denied any naked rambling and insisted his
relationship with Dr Langa was "healthy and cordial".
"All that you are saying is news to me," he told the Sunday World. "I don't have any health challenges that need intervention from the department."
The recall from China is just the latest in a long line of misfortunes to befall the colourful Mr Chiwayo, an engaged father of three.
In February, his home in Nelspruit, where he served as mayor before being posted to China, was targeted in a suspected arson attack and a Porsche, a quad bike and £22,000-worth of Persian belonging to him were destroyed.
The previous year, another of his homes was burgled and four pairs of his shoes were stolen in what he described as the work of political rivals who wanted to "send him a message".
During his time as the city's mayor, he was at loggerheads with the ANC's chairman in the province who he accused of presiding over large-scale corruption.
He also spoke out over the death of a fellow politician who was assassinated as he prepared to lay criminal charges over alleged tender corruption in the building of the city's World Cup football stadium, and increased his own security fearing there was a plot to assassinate him too.
Mr Chiwayo was hospitalised three times for stress during his time as mayor, according to the City Press newspaper, and in one incident reportedly had to be restrained when he charged at the ANC provincial chairman during a meeting.
Clayson Monyela, a spokesman for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), confirmed Mr Chiwayo had been recalled "for health reasons".
"He is receiving assistance from the department," Mr Monyela said.
The Daily Telegraph was unable to reach Mr Chiwayo for comment
"All that you are saying is news to me," he told the Sunday World. "I don't have any health challenges that need intervention from the department."
The recall from China is just the latest in a long line of misfortunes to befall the colourful Mr Chiwayo, an engaged father of three.
In February, his home in Nelspruit, where he served as mayor before being posted to China, was targeted in a suspected arson attack and a Porsche, a quad bike and £22,000-worth of Persian belonging to him were destroyed.
The previous year, another of his homes was burgled and four pairs of his shoes were stolen in what he described as the work of political rivals who wanted to "send him a message".
During his time as the city's mayor, he was at loggerheads with the ANC's chairman in the province who he accused of presiding over large-scale corruption.
He also spoke out over the death of a fellow politician who was assassinated as he prepared to lay criminal charges over alleged tender corruption in the building of the city's World Cup football stadium, and increased his own security fearing there was a plot to assassinate him too.
Mr Chiwayo was hospitalised three times for stress during his time as mayor, according to the City Press newspaper, and in one incident reportedly had to be restrained when he charged at the ANC provincial chairman during a meeting.
Clayson Monyela, a spokesman for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), confirmed Mr Chiwayo had been recalled "for health reasons".
"He is receiving assistance from the department," Mr Monyela said.
The Daily Telegraph was unable to reach Mr Chiwayo for comment
