On October 6, Premier Panyaza Lesufi strongly refuted allegations leveled against him of “covering up corruption, money laundering and fraud” within the Gauteng Provincial Government.
The claims were made by AfriForum and allege that Premier Lesufi is a central figure in the cover-up of rampant corruption, money laundering, and fraud in the Gauteng Provincial Government.
The allegation is centered around the investigations of the 13 officials from the Department of Social Development who are implicated in forensic investigations.
“The officials were placed on special leave on allegations of misconduct between November 2023 and January 2024 to avoid them from tempering with the investigation and intimidating witnesses. However,
the officials were reinstated in August 2024 as they had not been officially charged. However, the investigation by the Forensic Services Group on the officials is still ongoing. Once the investigation has been concluded the report will be made
public.
“This would not be the first time that the provincial government released
an investigative report to the public. In December 2022 we gave an update on investigative reports referred to Chapter Nine institutions such as the Special Investigating Unit, National Prosecuting Authority, and the Public Protector. These included reports on Anglo Ashanti, Tembisa
Hospital, and the Driving License Testing Centres (DLTCs) amongst others.
These reports sought to uncover maladministration, fraud, corruption and
any other wrongdoing in these institutions and projects.
Anglo Ashanti Hospital
The internal disciplinary process for the implicated Anglo Ashanti officials is in the closing argument stage, whilst the law enforcement agencies are dealing with the criminal aspect of the case.
Tembisa Hospital
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has since requested to investigate the Tembisa Hospital matter under the proclamation. Previously the investigation was done under the secondment agreement which limited
the powers of the SIU.
DLTCs
The Department of Roads and Transport is currently implementing the recommendations of the investigation report.
“Making these reports public forms part of our commitment as the Gauteng Provincial Government to institutionalize integrity and promote good governance and transparency. Whilst we are committed to making reports public, we must allow the investigators space and time to
conclude their work,” said Premier Lesufi.
By Simphiwe Nkosi