Zondo closes in on KZN politicians
Inquiry casts wide net for bank records in Prasa probe
● The net is closing on Jacob Zuma’s current and former allies, and their business associates. The Zondo commission wants to see their bank statements.
The Sunday Times understands that the commission has approached banks, asking for statements belonging to former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, former ANC KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) secretary Super Zuma, KZN premier Sihle Zikalala and former KZN MEC Mthandeni Dlungwane.
The individuals were among Zuma’s strongest backers during his tenure as president and took part in his campaigns to retain power. Some have since fallen out with him.
The Sunday Times reported last week that the state capture commission was scrutinising bank records belonging to Zuma, his daughters and his foundation.
This prompted the former president to issue an angry statement on Friday, labelling the move a “declaration of war”. In the statement, he also threatened to retaliate.
The Sunday Times can reveal today that investigators working for the commission have cast the net wider.
They are nowon the heels of Zuma’s political allies and businesses that are linked to these allies.
Zikalala and Super Zuma said they were not aware of the investigation.
Gumede said the commission had not contacted her.
“Since I am not aware of any ongoing investigation on me around Zondo commission, I am unable to share any details. The fact is all my bank accounts are frozen and under scrutiny of the NPA/Hawks so I have no access to them,” she said.
She declined to comment on whether she, or her foundation, had received money from companies and people who had done business with the city while she was mayor.
“I cannot comment on any individual or company at this stage. This matter is the subject of NPA/Hawks and the court,” she said.
Dlungwane did not respond to questions sent to him.
Companies that have conducted business with the eThekwini municipality are also on the commission’s radar. These include highflying Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize’s Zikhulise Group, Roy Moodley’s Royal Security, and Hlenga Sibisi’s Ilanga Lamahlase.
Ilanga Lamahlase, which was formed in 2015 when Gumede came into office, was given contracts worth millions to collect refuse and clean streets.
Sibisi said he was not aware that the commission wanted to examine his bank accounts.
“I don’t know of any reason why the commission would look into my finances,” Sibisi said.
Royal Security has provided security for the city since 2004. Moodley is said to be one of Zuma’s benefactors.
He said it was illegal for the commission to seek his financial transactions. “I have not made any underhanded or illegal payments, donations, etcetera, to the former president, the foundation or any other politically exposed person,” he said.
Mkhize said the commission had not contacted her. Asked why she thought the Zondo commission would want to examine her company’s finances, Mkhize said: “I do not know of any reason why ... I mean I’ve given the world a glimpse of my life. From that some people have chosen to celebrate me whilst otherswant to see me fall. I can’t control other people’s motives.”
She said her company had never donated money to Gumede or to her foundation.
“Not at all, unfortunately. That hunt was wrong.”
The Sunday Times understands that the commission has not made any conclusions regarding all the records it has been given by the banks. The investigators are still examining the records, comparing them with allegations that have been brought before the commission by whistleblowers.
The commission also wants to examine the bank accounts of former ANC Youth League president Collen Maine, and ex-convicts Kenny Kunene and Gayton McKenzie. It is alleged that Maine bought a R5m Pretoria home with the help of the Guptas.
The commission’s requests relate to transactions that took place between January 1 2010 and today, including foreign-exchange transactions
The commission also wants to see the outcomes of any investigations that were conducted by the banks on any personal and business accounts that were flagged and reported to the Financial Intelligence Centre. Kunene is a known supporter of Zuma. Kunene said he was not ashamed of his association with Zuma and declared himself “unapologetically president Jacob Zuma’s child”.
“The Zondo commission is an embarrassing circus to all who have eyes to see,” said Kunene.
“I have not been implicated in any wrongdoing, nor have I been served with a notice to that effect. It is outrageous that neither the commission nor the banks have contacted me pertaining to an investigation into my financial statements and those of companies I own.”
McKenzie said he was aware that the commission had expressed interest in the financial affairs of his companies but he was not fazed because “I have nothing to hide”. He said he did not conduct business with the state.
Banks have declined to comment on specific cases but confirmed that they were cooperating with the commission and providing whatever they are being asked for.