ActionSA in the Free State says it recognizes the decision of the African National Congress (ANC) to deploy Free State Prime Minister Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae on a month’s leave due to serious allegations of corruption and money laundering.
Letsoha-Mathae and her husband Lawrence Mathae, the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipal Speaker, are alleged to have accepted bribes to influence the tender for a lucrative road construction project worth R269 million.
Party provincial chairwoman Patricia Kopane says this may seem like a step toward accountability, but it raises further concerns about selective justice and transparency.
Mxolisi Dukwana, chairman of the Free State Provincial Council, is also involved in the corruption scandal.
Kopane says these allegations require an equal investigation and her party calls for them to be placed on leave immediately to allow for an impartial investigation.
However, the provincial government has indicated that the premier has taken sick leave for a medical procedure.
Free State MEC for community safety, roads and transport Jabu Mbalula has been sworn in as acting premier of the province.
Free State | Prime Minister in hot water over dubious road construction project:
Nomsa Mazibuko
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