The government does not have to provide Congress of the People's Mosiuoa Lekota with bodyguards because he is under no threat, Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa said.

The government does not have to provide Congress of the People's Mosiuoa Lekota with bodyguards because he is under no threat, Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa said.

Last year Lekota went to court demanding the government provide him with bodyguards because his life "was in danger".

He made these assertions after breaking away from the ANC to form Cope. He also pointed out that his personal bodyguard had been abducted.

Lekota was one of several ministers who resigned in sympathy with former president Thabo Mbeki when he was recalled by the ANC.

As a former minister he was entitled to state protection for a month after his resignation. He is, however, allowed to apply for the continuation of state protection if he believes that his security was under threat.

Mthethwa said yesterday an "assessment" had shown that Lekota was not under any threat. "Based on the report that I received it is clear that Terror Lekota is not under any threat and this therefore does not justify the continuation of this service. However, if the need may arise, this decision may be reviewed."

Mthethwa came to this conclusion after reading the recommendations contained in a report "outlining the threat analysis of key personnel who resigned from cabinet late last year".

"According to the ministerial handbook ex-ministers [receive state protection] for a month after they've resigned.

"However, ex-ministers can apply for the continuation of the service and a threat analysis will [determine] . if this service should continue or not." - Sapa