MPs won’t be bribed to stop probe

THE parliamentary inquiry into the capture of Eskom would not be derailed by the intimidation of MPs and staff members, ANC MP and acting chairperson for the public enterprise portfolio committee Zukiswa Rantho said yesterday. The ANC also called for a probe into allegations of bribery involving State Security Minister Bongani Bongo.

Rantho made the comments following weekend reports that her son received a threatening text message, saying: “Your mother is making our lives difficult.”

DA MP Natasha Mazzone, who serves on the committee, was recently followed and her car tampered with. This has prompted the official opposition to demand protection for MPs.

The inquiry’s evidence leader, Ntuthuzelo Vanara, who was threatened with being reported to the Cape Law Society, has since alleged that Bongo offered him a bribe to collapse the Eskom inquiry.

The DA laid criminal charges against Bongo and also lodged a complaint with Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, in line with the Executive Members Ethics Act.

Parliament also referred Bongo’s bribe allegation to its ethics committee and Mkhwebane, who did not respond to queries. According to reports, Bongo apparently told Vanara that he was following instructions from acting Eskom board chairman Zethembe Khoza.

Yesterday, Khoza distanced himself from the allegations that he had instructed Bongo to offer Vanara a bribe to collapse the investigation into the alleged capture of Eskom. “I have never spoken to Mr Bongo,” Khoza said. He also said Eskom supported the parliamentary inquiry.

The office of the ANC chief whip said it noted with concern media reports of an alleged bribe offered to Vanara to stop the Eskom inquiry. “We call upon law enforcement authorities to investigate this matter,” said spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli. Parliament’s spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said any intimidation of MPs while carrying out their duties was a crime.