By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has requested reasons for a decision by premier Panyaza Lesufi not to reveal the details forensic reports relating to investigations into alleged corruption within the provincial government.
DA Gauteng caucus leader Solly Msimanga said the premier’s decision was suspicious in light of increasing reports of corruption within the provincial executive.
“The DA is not surprised by the refusal of the premier to give us all the forensic reports; this is a clear indication that corrupt officials will continue to be shielded under the current administration,” he said.
Msimanga said his party was appealing the decision, and would be seeking legal opinion on the reasons given for the request to be turned down.
The Gauteng government declined the request from the DA for access to 177 forensic reports spanning from 2016 to date on Monday, underscoring a balance between transparency, privacy and due process.
The DA’s request, filed under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), was aimed at obtaining transparency in various investigations conducted by the provincial government.
He said that should the appeal be unsuccessful the DA would approach the Information Regulator for intervention.
Msimanga claimed that Lesufi had backtracked on his earlier promises to make the reports available.
He also said that the premier indicated during his State of the Province Address that lifestyle audits were complete, in contrast to his current claim that the audits still needed to be completed.
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