Masuku hits back at ‘non-factual’ SIU report
Dismissed Gauteng Health MEC, Bandile Masuku has hit back at the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) report claiming he failed to execute his functions in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Masuku was fired on Friday by Premier David Makhura on the basis of the SIU’s findings and recommendations.
Parts of the investigation are still outstanding but Makhura vowed to reinstate Masuku, should the report clear his name at a later stage.
But in a 13-page statement, Masuku said the report is short on facts.
“I feel strongly that the SIU report has done the following: ignored all other affidavits, including mine and chose to rely on one affidavit, makes no reference to the information, facts and documentary evidence presented by me and my office, and makes no connection between evidence and findings,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Masuku dismissal must be followed by more accountability - OUTA
Masuku was fired on Wednesday over the provincial PPE corruption scandal that is being investigated by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) "We are delighted that action has been taken against an individual like the MEC.
Masuku said he would take the report on review.
“The SIU report makes incorrect and non-factual findings about me as an Executive Authority. It is unclear whether the report is final, and to this end I have written to the Premier to explain to him that in fact and in law, I will be exercising my rights in law to review the findings in a court of law to set them aside,” the statement further reads.
Masuku accuses the elite crime-fighting unit of being engaged in political speech rather than the search for truth and facts.
Masuku maintains his innocence.
“I wish to state it upfront that - just as I have done to all the accountability platforms I have been to – I did not act in a dishonest, illegal, or corrupt manner to benefit myself, family and friends at the expense of people who face major suffering against Covid-19.”
He believes the SIU is under immense pressure from the public to ensure Covid-19 looters are held accountable.
Read full statement below:
Masuku hits back at ‘non-factual’ SIU report by Nokukhanya Mntambo on Scribd
