State capture probe gets under way

THE investigation into state capture is expected to move into high gear, as the evidence leader in the portfolio committee on public enterprises, advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara, prepares to meet with witnesses.

This comes as the official opposition takes President Jacob Zuma to the high court in Pretoria today to force him to appoint a commission of inquiry into state capture.

This is in line with the recommendations of former public protector Thuli Madonsela that Zuma must ask Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng to appoint a judge to lead the inquiry.

Acting chairperson of the committee Zukiswa Rantho said yesterday they would meet with Vanara after he had done his preparation.

Vanara was appointed after MPs went cap in hand to Speaker Baleka Mbete to give them resources, including Vanara to be the evidence leader to start the inquiry.

Rantho said: “We tried to have a meeting with the evidence leader, but he is not available. We will meet him next week. He is this week preparing to meet with the witnesses.”

The committee has drawn up a list of witnesses including former Eskom board chairpersons Ben Ngubane and Zola Tsotsi, and former chief executives Brian Molefe and Matshela Koko.

The Guptas and Duduzane Zuma, President Zuma’s son, are also on the list of witnesses.

The National Prosecuting Authority also confirmed in Parliament last week that it was investigating state capture.

And Cosatu confirmed yesterday it was going ahead with its planned national strike on September 27 to highlight the issue of state capture and for an inquiry to be held.