Mahlobo denies Phala Phala involvement
Arthur Fraser is throwing mud at everyone he can think of, says ex-minister
● Former state security minister David Mahlobo is the latest figure to reject ex-spy boss Arthur Fraser’s claims that he was involved in tracing thieves who broke into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s game farm.
Mahlobo, who is now the deputy minister of water and sanitation, said Fraser’s claims were “just a fishing expedition”.
Mahlobo was allegedly among those roped in to assist in “tracing” the suspects, using his “network of contacts” from his time as intelligence minister.
Mahlobo said Fraser was throwing mud at everyone he could think of, hoping that something would stick.
“Where do I get involved in Phala Phala matters? Maybe you should ask Fraser. If he says Mahlobo was involved he must give the details. As I see it, this is nothing but a fishing expedition. You cannot go around accusing people without specifics,” said Mahlobo.
In a letter submitted by UDM leader Bantu Holomisa to the parliamentary panel appointed to investigate if Ramaphosa should face impeachment over the burglary, Fraser fingers numerous people for allegedly participating in the “cover-up” after thousands of US dollars were stolen from the farm.
After forensic private investigator Paul O’Sullivan last week poured cold water on Fraser’s allegation that he took part in the “tracing” of the alleged thieves, more people have come out to deny his claims.
Among those Fraser named was Zahir Vallie, who allegedly “is known” for bringing large amounts of foreign currency into the country from the Middle East “without declaration” through Cape Town International Airport.
According to Fraser, three weeks after he opened a criminal complaint against Ramaphosa, the president’s political adviser Bejani Chauke moved $20m from Phala Phala to Cape Town.
The money was for Vallie, whose instruction was to ensure the money’s “safekeeping for [Chauke] and the president”.
Fraser further charged that Vallie had a property portfolio worth R800m and that most of his properties were bought with cash.
“It is well known that his properties are running at a considerable financial loss with low returns, clearly a sign of significant money-laundering,” Fraser wrote in the letter to the Hawks.
Vallie has since hit back, saying he had never had dealings with Chauke and/or Ramaphosa.
“The grossly defamatory allegations made against me in the letter, which imply that I am involved in illegal safekeeping of cash for the president/Dr Chauke and in money laundering, are devoid of any truth whatsoever,” said Vallie.
“I was not mentioned in the original criminal complaint made against the president by Mr Fraser, which was made under oath. It strikes me as strange that now, in a letter not made under oath — which cannot attract a criminal sanction for perjury — I am implicated.”
Two police officers have also rejected Fraser’s claims about their involvement in the matter.
Crime intelligence officer Col Smanga Simelane, who Fraser alleged was also involved in the tracing, said he is perturbed by the accusation since Fraser was a “comrade and friend”. After the leaking of the letter, he charged, he had tried to call Fraser several times to confront him but to no avail.
“I do not know where he (Fraser) gets the story from, I really do not know. He is a friend and a comrade,” said Simelane.
“He closed his phone now and does not answer my calls. I do not know what this thing is.”
Simelane said he had provided his version to the Hawks and was sleeping peacefully since he had no involvement whatsoever in the Phala Phala saga.
His colleague, Const Hlumani Rikhotso of the presidential protection unit whom Fraser also dragged into the fray, said he found his implication laughable.
“I am still asking myself why he would pick on me. I do not know really. Where do I feature in this?” he said. “This is funny. To me it is honestly funny.”
Attempts to reach Fraser failed.
Where do I get involved in Phala Phala matters? Maybe you should ask Fraser. If he says Mahlobo was involved he must give the details