VBS: DA files PAIA request to obtain Simelane’s report on R500k loan
The DA is accusing Ramaphosa of not taking action against Justice Minister Thembi Simelane regarding her alleged connections to VBS.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request with the Presidency to obtain Justice Minister Thembi Simelane’s report regarding her suspected involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
According to the party, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office confirmed receiving the report on 11 September.
DA WANTS TO ACCESS THEMBI SIMELANE’S REPORT ON VBS ALLEGATIONS
As first reported by the Daily Maverick in August, Simelane received R575 600 from VBS-linked broker Gundo Wealth Solutions to purchase a coffee shop in Sandton. This was during her tenure as Polokwane mayor.
As previously reported the corrupt investment brokerage was owned by Ralliom Razwinane, who is currently on trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to his role in facilitating connections and “investments” between municipalities, including the Polokwane Municipality, and VBS.
On 6 September, Simelane appeared before the justice and constitutional development portfolio committee to answer for the dodgy loan.
Simelane told members of Parliament she thought Gundo Wealth Solutions was a registered financial service provider when MPs asked her why she applied for an expensive loan, which she claims she paid back with 47.5% interest, instead of approaching commercial banks.
The DA, ActionSA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), among others, called for Simelane to step aside from her role pending the current investigation into her R500 000 loan from Gundo.