EFF accuses ANC official of taking bribes

as kickbacks.

“We know that our lives and those of our families will be threatened by exposing this corruption and rot. However, we cannot sit back and allow state resources to be looted. They are colluding with the state. We will finish what we have started. People in the street must know the reasons if we happen to be killed.”

EFF provincial leader Aubrey Baartman also claimed that the alleged kickbacks were linked to the charges that were laid by Premier Sylvia Lucas, relating to R26 million that was allegedly diverted from the Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Tourism to fund the ANC provincial elective conference.

“The bribes started being collected around the time of the ANC provincial elective conference. The money is withdrawn from the bank account on the same day that it is deposited. The suspect is a prominent figure and is not supposed to do business with government. He is in charge of facilitating tenders, hiring and firing,” said Baartman.

He added that the matter would be reported to the national office of the Hawks on Monday, as they had no faith in the local law enforcement agencies.

“Does it take so long for a high-profile case to be investigated? The authorities do not seem to take us seriously.”

National Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi explained that no further progress could be made on the case that was reported to them for investigation by the Premier until the complainant had provided them with outstanding documents pertaining to the allegations.

ANC provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga said that the ANC was not aware of any allegations made against the regional secretary.

“We encourage the EFF to report any information that they deem as irregular to the Hawks.”

Spokesperson for the Office of the Premier, Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, referred all media enquiries to the Hawks.