CORRUPTION-accused former state security minister Bongani Bongo has taken a leave of absence as a member of Parliament and ANC national executive committee (NEC) member.
This ahead of a corruption case in which Bongo is accused of trying to bribe an evidence leader in a parliamentary inquiry into state capture at Eskom in October 2017.
He’s one of several ANC members who have been asked to step aside while they clear their names.
The decision follows this weekend’s ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
President Cyril Ramaphosa told a media briefing on Monday that those accused or found guilty who don’t step down will be asked to do so.
“It has also been decided that cadres of the movement, who are equally charged for corruption or other serious crimes must immediately step aside from all leadership positions in the ANC, legislatures or other government structures,” said Ramaphosa.
These include members like Bongani Bongo, who is accused of trying to bribe a parliamentary official, and Nelson Mandela Bay Councilor Andile Lungisa who was convicted of assault
He was arrested in November 2019, and granted R5,000 bail.
Bongo allegedly asked an advocate within the commission, Nthuthuzelo Vanara, to take sick leave when proceedings were set to start, to “derail proceedings”, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
He was still state security minister at the time he offered Vanara “unlawful gratification”.
Bongo has denied all allegations of corruption against him.
(COMPILED BY INSIDE POLITICS STAFF)
