Thapelo Molefe
THE EFF has joined calls for the resignation of the Minister of Justice, Thembi Simelane, over allegations that she benefited from funds looted from VBS Mutual Bank.
EFF National Spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys confirmed on Tuesday that her party has called for the resignation of Simelane as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development following revelations of her involvement in the VBS scandal.
“Her resignation is the only appropriate course of action to preserve the integrity of our justice system and to allow for an independent and impartial investigation into her actions,” Mathys said.
Mathys said as Minister of Justice, Simelane oversees critical institutions like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which is currently investigating and prosecuting those involved in the collapse of VBS.
She said this presents an untenable conflict of interest.
“How can the very person implicated in a scandal be expected to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into that same scandal? Simelane’s continued presence in this role threatens the integrity of these investigations and undermines the pursuit of justice,” Mathys said.
Mathys said Simelane’s attempts to dismiss her actions as a legitimate commercial transaction are nothing but a flimsy cover-up.
“Her failure to adequately address the conflict of interest, her role in facilitating these illegal investments, and her subsequent attempts to downplay her involvement are indicative of someone who cannot be trusted with the responsibility of overseeing justice in our nation,” she said.
Simelane, while serving as mayor, was entrusted with safeguarding public funds, yet she chose to engage in corrupt dealings, exploiting her position for personal gain, Mathys said.
“This is a clear pattern of behaviour—a track record of corruption that has now followed her into her role as Justice Minister”.
Mathys added that it has been uncovered that Gundo Wealth Solutions was not a legitimate credit provider and had no legal basis to offer loans, exposing Simelane’s commercial loan as a bribe thinly veiled as a business transaction.
She said that Simelane played a pivotal role in enabling these unlawful deposits into VBS Mutual Bank, deposits that were part of a larger scheme involving multiple municipalities and state entities across South Africa.
“A stark example of the rot within the African National Congress’s (ANC) leadership”.
“Furthermore, we call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in holding her accountable, ensuring that she faces the full consequences of her betrayal of public trust,” Mathys said.
On Monday, ActionSA filed an urgent complaint with the Public Protector against Simelane.
ActionSA spokesperson Athol Trollip said there is enough evidence of wrongdoing and the party will write to the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, requesting an immediate removal of Simelane as Justice Minister.
“Consequently, it is a matter of grave concern that Minister Simelane, who now oversees the Department of Justice and who wields significant influence over the NPA, is the very person responsible for the institution tasked with prosecuting corruption, potentially including this very matter,” he said.
DA spokesperson Adv. Glynnis Breytenbash said they were deeply concerned by the disturbing revelations surrounding Simelane’s loan from VBS.
Breytenbash said the DA also submitted a request to the chair of justice Parliamentary Portfolio, for the minister to appear before the portfolio to answer these allegations of impropriety.
GOOD Secretary General and Western Cape Member of Parliament Brett Herron said it was completely untenable to have Simelane involved in the VBS fraud and corruption scandal.
Herron said this means that Simelane cannot remain the minister responsible for the justice system that may have to investigate and prosecute her if the allegations sustain a prima facie case.
He highlighted that Ramaphosa has no choice but to act in the best interest of the country and in the interests of an untainted criminal justice process relating to all who are implicated in the VBS crimes.
Simelane is accused of taking a R500 000 loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions owned by (this man has a first name) Razwinane, who is alleged to have negotiated unlawful investments of R349 million into VBS Mutual Bank by the Polokwane Municipality while she was still the Mayor in 2016.
The Minister is reported as having admitted to receiving the loan and that she has subsequently repaid it and had proof to that effect.
When VBS collapsed in March 2018, the forensics investigations found that Razwinane was rewarded with R24.2 million for being a commissioning agent for multiple municipalities and state entities.
Razwinane is currently on trial for fraud, corruption and money laundering for his position as a commission agent connecting municipalities, including Polokwane Municipality with VBS.
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