Tebogo Msimanga
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it welcomes receipt of the fourth Zondo report into State Capture, which vindicates its contention that the Free State Department of Human Settlements was used as a laundromat to siphon funds meant for the poorest people in the province into the pockets of ANC politicians and their cronies.
DA Cogta Spokesperson in the Free State Legislature Leona Kleynhans said they are pleased with the findings against senior politicians, including former MEC Mosebenzi Zwane and former Premier Ace Magashule. Judge Raymond Zondo states in the report that Zwane must be investigated for fraud related to the disastrous R1 billion ‘debacle’ in which funds were dished out to various crony contractors and allegedly, some politicians. “
In addition, Magashule failed to ‘provide leadership’, or ‘intervene effectively’ in this catastrophe. His only action was to shuffle Zwane to the department of Agriculture, where Zwane presided over the Vrede Dairy disaster.”
Kleynhans said in May 2020 the DA laid charges against Magashule with the Hawks for his failure to intervene after the 2015 court case in which serious allegations had been made. “He had once again failed in his duty to provide leadership over his executive, or intervene in a patently dodgy contract.” In his report Zondo recommends that the R250 million be recovered from Edwin Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting, and partner Diamond Hill Trading, whose director, Igo Mpambani was assassinated in Johannesburg, during a fight between the partners about payments.
“It is indeed a vindication that the Zondo commission has agreed with our contention. And our greatest satisfaction with the report is that the political masterminds of this subterfuge and fraud have not been spared. They must ultimately be held accountable.
