By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has taken leave of absence amid reports of ongoing corruption allegations levelled against her.
Fullview understands African National Congress (ANC) has instructed Letsoha-Mathae to take leave to allow investigation into corruption allegations.
However Acting Head of Communication from the office of the Premier, Setjhaba Maphalla says the premier took leave to focus on recuperating following a medical procedure.
Letsoha-Mathae appointed Jabu Mbalula, the brother of the ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, to act as premier from Friday until December 15.
“I have appointed Mr. J Mbalula as acting premier for the Free State province for period 15 November 2024 to 15 December 2024. Kindly [provide] him with full co-operation and support,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
The swearing-in ceremony of Mbalula took place at the Free State High Court, officiated by Judge President Cagney John Musi.
Letsoha-Mathae is accused of corruption involving a multimillion-rand road tender.
The contract was awarded last year when Letsoha-Mathae was still MEC for public works and roads.
Fullview previously reported the corrupt dealings involves Letsoha-Mathae and her husband Laurence Mathae.
In a leaked message, New Beginnings Project CEO, Patrick Phuti, alleged he’d been involved in illegal financial transactions with the couple during the awarding of the Tweespruit road construction contract.
In a written message to Letsoha-Mathae, Phuti claimed the contract was unfairly terminated by the provincial government when she was still MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport.
The message purportedly also showed the couple accepted bribes worth millions, including a luxury V300 Mercedes Benz and a payment of R400,000 toward the ANC Women’s League Conference.
Meanwhile the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has initiated an investigation into the matter.
Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo confirmed that the probe is underway, focusing on allegations of corruption and money laundering.
She emphasized that the investigation is currently centered on the allegations themselves, not specific individuals, until sufficient evidence is gathered.