DA calls on Ramaphosa to ‘break silence’ on Simelane loan scandal

This after several media houses reported that the president was informed about the VBS bank transaction ahead of Simelane’s original appointment to cabinet in 2021.

Simelane, who currently served as justice minister, is under pressure to step down after it emerged that she received a loan of more than R500,000 from a VBS-linked fixer, Gundo Wealth Solutions, during her tenure as Polokwane mayor.

Last week, ActionSA laid criminal charges against Simelane over the loan.

The company’s owner, Ralliom Razwinane, has been charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to facilitating connections and “investments” between municipalities, including the Polokwane Municipality and the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

Breytenbach says it is time for Ramaphosa to explain why he appointed a minister with a questionable past.

"If Ramaphosa was indeed aware of this matter from the beginning, his current demand for an explanation about information he already possesses raises serious questions about his apparent refusal to act against Simelane.

"The public deserves to know why this issue was only brought before the ANC’s Integrity Commission now, years after the loan was originally exposed and investigated by the Limpopo Treasury. What has changed, other than the looming criminal investigation by the Hawks?

"Simelane’s failure to make the loan agreement and proof of payment publicly available further deepens suspicion. These documents must be scrutinised to determine whether the transactions were legal and ethical.

"The apparent conflict of interest is glaring, especially considering her role overseeing the very institutions responsible for investigating this scandal."

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