By Lungile Ntimba
The Democratic Alliance in the Free State has submitted an affidavit to the Hawks over corruption allegations against Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and her husband, Bongani Mathae, who is speaker of the Mangaung municipality.
The premier is on a leave of absence amid corruption claims.
Provincial DA leader Roy Jankielsohn said on Friday that the Free State government had cited medical reasons for the leave of absence, but others in the African National Congress were saying it was due to criminal investigations.
“If the premier is formally charged, the DA will consult with other opposition parties in the Free State legislature to bring a motion of no confidence against her,” Jankielsohn said in a statement.
“Whether due to job-related pressure causing medical conditions or due to criminal charges, it is doubtful that the premier will serve a full term,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters accused the premier of using the special leave as a loophole to ensure that she did not step down from office, but retained her position while facing her alleged corruption charges.
EFF provincial chairperson Maphule Liphoko also spoke out against ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula’s brother, Jabu Mbalula, being appointed as acting premier.
He alleged that the premier appointed Mbalula, who is the MEC of community safety, roads and transport, as the acting premier as a favour to the secretary-general for her position.
Commenting on Mbalula, Jankielsohn noted that his new position came after him serving as an MEC for less than six months.
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