DA lays charges against state security minister
Democratic Alliance (DA) chief
whip John Steenhuisen has laid corruption charges against State Security Minister Bongani Bongo.
The charges relate to allegations that Bongani Bongo allegedly attempted to bribe Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara, the evidence leader in the parliamentary inquiry into state capture at Eskom.
Steenhuisen says these allegations reveal that Bongo offered Advocate Vanara a bribe in exchange for stepping down as evidence leader in the enquiry.
"The DA views Minister Bongo’s actions as a gross violation of the provisions of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the associated Executive Ethics Code which, amongst others, prohibits ministers from using their position to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person and requires that ministers fulfil all obligations imposed upon them by the constitution and law," Steenhuisen says.
He says the allegations point to a "deeply concerning trend" at the State Security Agency (SSA).
"The charges aim to ensure that credibility and the rule of law is restored within the SSA. We trust these allegations will be taken seriously and investigated fully."