Hawks deny confirming probe into Simelane’s VBS-linked loan

On Tuesday, ActionSA laid criminal charges against Simelane over the R500,000 she received from Gundo Wealth Solutions during her tenure as Polokwane mayor.

Simelane 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.

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.

Hawks spokesperson Nomthandazo Mbambo said the unit does not make public announcements on individuals who are being investigated.

"The Hawks have noted with concern the Tweet by Khaya FM citing that the Hawks have confirmed that they are investigating the Minister of Justice, Thembi Simelane, following a case that has been registered by Action SA.

"We wish to refute this statement as incorrect and misleading as it is not within the policy of the Hawks to confirm individuals that are subject to any investigation so as to protect the integrity of our investigation.

"What we can confirm at this stage is that Action SA has registered a case relating to the VBS matter and that great strides have already been made by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in the investigation of various legs relating to VBS, which has since resulted in arrests and convictions, whilst other individuals are on trial.”

Mbambo said the broader investigation into the VBS matter is ongoing and more arrests are imminent.

"We cannot and will not confirm investigation into a particular individual until they have been brought before the court of law," she added.

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