Central SA
Public Protector to assess corruption allegation against embattled premier─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 13:17 Fri, 08 Nov 2024
The office of the Public Protector in the Free State has confirmed it will assess opposition parties’ corruption complaints against the embattled premier.
After having laid charges, the EFF, DA, and ActionSA are pushing for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption, money laundering, and abuse of public funds by premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and other top-ranking profile officials, including her Mangaung Speaker husband, Lawrence Mathae, current Speaker Mxolisi Dukwana, and New Beginnings CEO Patrick.
In a letter, the Public Protector’s office in Bloemfontein acknowledged receipt of the complaint filed by ActionSA on Monday 28 October. It will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the allegations fall within its jurisdiction. An official response is expected within ten working days of issuing the letter of acknowledgment on Thursday 31 October.
She was encouraged after police and the Hawks also confirmed that an extensive investigation is underway, said ActionSA Free State Chairperson Patricia Kopane. She said violations include:
- Section 3 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), prohibits general corruption.
- Sections 4 and 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), target potential money laundering activities.
- Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), relates to the possible misuse of public funds.
She emphasised the need for accountability, saying Phuti, who was directly involved in these transactions should also be investigated for his alleged participation in the irregular dealings.
Kopane repeated allegations that construction company Tau Pele had replaced Phuti in a lucrative road project, the Tweespruit road construction contract, following alleged interference by Letsoha-Mathae during her tenure as MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport.
The controversy erupted after a leaked message surfaced, wherein Phuti accused Letshoha-Mathae and her husband of terminating his contract without just cause. He further alleged that he had been compelled to pay bribes to initially secure the contract, which reportedly included buying a vehicle for the premier’s family.
More allegations against Dukwana have emerged. Kopane said Dukwana received R2 million from Phuti during the contract process.
Phuti also reportedly bought a vehicle for Dukwana’s son, as a part of alleged bribes aimed at securing and maintaining his construction contract.
