NPA probing Steinhoff collapse ‘without fear or favour' - Lamola
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has denied accusations that South African law enforcement agencies have halted their investigations into the collapse of multi-national Steinhoff.
Lamola spoke during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The retailer was plunged into crisis in 2017 amid allegations of fraud and corruption by senior executives.
The company’s stock dropped by more than 61% amid allegations of fraud against the company’s CEO Markus Jooste.
Lamola dismissed reports that the NPA is moving at a snail’s pace.
"The NPA is dealing with this matter without any fear, prejudice, or any favour to anyone.
"It is also dealing with it without looking at the colour of the person who is involved as per the mandate of the NPA. They are prioritising the matter, as I have said, that it has been handled in a matter that it goes through."
Lamola’s remarks come amid reports that German prosecutors are ready to announce the first criminal charges against Steinhoff executives.
"With regards to the years, this kind of investigations they do take time and we must not come here and lie that this kind of investigations can be done in a day,” Lamola told MPs.
"In this matter, justice will prevail and there is no one who is protecting white or black criminals. The NPA and the Hawks are working together to ensure that investigation are done in a thorough manner."
