DA to appeal Lesufi’s refusal to release forensic reports

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