By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has refuted media reports that it is investigating Justice and Constitutional Minister Thembi Simelane.
Simelane is under pressure to step down after it emerged that she received a loan of more than R500,000 from a VBS-linked fixer, Gundo Wealth Solutions, during her tenure as Polokwane mayor.
She stressed that she did not accept a loan from VBS but from Gundo Wealth Solutions and that the company was not one of the municipality’s registered service providers.
Simelane said she paid back R849 000 on a loan of R575 600 taken out to buy a coffee shop in Sandton, and was allowed to do so over a period of four years.
“We wish to refute this statement as incorrect and misleading as it is not within the policy of the Hawks to confirm individuals that are subject to any investigation so as to protect the integrity of our investigation,” said Hawks spokesperson, Nomthandazo Mbambo.
“What we can confirm at this stage is that ActionSA has registered a case relating to VBS matter and that great strides have already been made by the Hawks` Serious Corruption Investigation in the investigation of various legs relating to VBS which has since resulted in arrests and convictions, while other individuals are on trial.
“Investigation into VBS-related matter still continues and more arrests are imminent, but we cannot and will not confirm investigation into a particular individual until they have been brought before the court of law,” Mbambo added.
Several political parties have made similar calls for her step down, including government of national unity partners, the DA, FF Plus and GOOD, arguing that Simelane’s position as justice minister placed her in a conflict of interest.
After the story broke about the controversial loan, President Cyril Ramaphosa requested a full report from Simelane, which she provided.
On 12 September, Ramaphosa told the National Council of Provinces that he needed “time and space” to deal with the issue.