President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from the Minister Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, following allegations that she received a loan from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as Mayor of the Polokwane Municipality in 2016.
The request follows reports that Simelane allegedly received R575 600 from Gundo Wealth Solutions that brokered investments of R349 million into the bank by the municipality.
The money was allegedly used to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with concern media reports containing allegations of corruption against the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane.
“The media reports have linked the Minister with monies alleged to have been received improperly from the VBS Mutual Bank during her tenure as Mayor of the Polokwane Municipality.
The President has requested a detailed report and briefing from the Minister on the matter,” said Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya.
Meanwhile, political parties and lobby groups have called on Ramaphosa to remove Simelane from her position, citing conflict of interest as her portfolio oversees the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“Given Minister Simelane’s current role overseeing the Department of Justice and her significant influence over the NPA, our request to the Public Protector is intended to promptly determine whether her involvement in these transactions constitutes a conflict of interest, violations of ethical codes or any unlawful conduct.
“In my correspondence with the President, I made it explicit that the integrity of our justice system is at stake if the person tasked with upholding the law is potentially compromised by involvement in unlawful transactions linked to one of the most egregious corruption scandals that stole from the most vulnerable and the state,” said ActionSA Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip.
