DA calls for parly probe of ‘unethical conduct’

Newly elected chairperson of the justice and correctional services portfolio committee Vincent Smith could find himself hauled before parliament’s ethics committee, following a report that he allegedly received at least R670 000 from facilities management company Bosasa over the past three years.

Describing Smith’s conduct as “unethical”, DA chief whip John Steenhuisen yesterday said the party would report the matter to the parliamentary committee.

Smith also reportedly received a security upgrade of an electric fence and a high-end CCTV system worth R200 000 at his home; and R100 000 in cash from Bosasa on a monthly basis.

The company has secured contracts with several government departments worth more than R10 billion, including the department of correctional services.

“Smith had oversight of this department when he chaired the correctional services portfolio committee in 2014, as well as through his membership of the standing committee on public accounts and as an alternate member on the justice and correctional services from 2014 to August 2018.

“If he did indeed receive money from Bosasa, this would represent a serious conflict of interest and be highly inappropriate,” said Steenhuisen.

“This amounts to unethical conduct, especially since he had not declared any such benefit in the register of members’ interests,” added Steenhuisen.

He said when the DA perused the 2015, 2016 and 2017 declaration of members’ interests, no payments or alleged installation of CCTV equipment appear on the declarations as would be required in terms of the code.

“We therefore urge parliament to investigate the allegations against Smith without delay,” said Steenhuisen.