AfriForum after Abrahams

Civil rights organisation AfriForum yesterday filed criminal charges of corruption, fraud, theft, extortion and forgery against national director of public prosecutions (NDPP) Shaun Abrahams and six other senior members of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“This follows after AfriForum received an anonymous letter that elaborates on allegations of serious criminal conduct. In this letter is a plea for AfriForum to ensure that the rot within the NPA is not allowed to continue,” Monique Taute, head of AfriForum’s anti-corruption unit, told journalists at the Silverton police station in Pretoria.

“One allegation refers to a covertly-funded, fraudulent travel claim from four members of the NPA. The claims, submitted for authorisation to travel to Zeerust, misrepresent the fact that they actually travelled to Cape Town and spent R97 000 of these covert funds,” says Taute.

Additionally, it is also alleged that a witness protection vehicle was allocated to the NDPP, who then used the vehicle for personal benefit.

“I believe the suggestion here is that all government assets are strictly governed and that the logbooks, etc, must at all times – even under covert circumstances – reflect the use of the asset, but in this case the NDPP has corruptly ensured a personal and/or gratuitous official benefit to which he is not entitled,” added Taute.

She said AfriForum believes the allegations are of an alarming nature, and therefore requested the SA Police Service to investigate the allegations.

Taute said the allegations “should now be enough reason for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Abrahams from office”.

The NPA is yet to comment on the allegations. – ANA

One allegation refers to a covertly-funded, fraudulent travel claim from four members of the NPA. Monique Taute Head of AfriForum’s anti-corruption unit