Forced leave or surgery? Free State Prime Minister accused of corruption will be away from her office for a while | The citizen

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has sent a letter to the executive council indicating she is taking leave and saying she will undergo surgery.

This comes as the Hawks investigate a case of fraud and corruption against Letsoha-Mathae and her husband, Mangaung Metro mayor Lawrence Mathae, following allegations that they received kickbacks from a contractor.

The bribes were allegedly paid to Letsoha-Mathae when she was MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport via a cash sum of R2 million and R500,000 cash to her husband. The contractor is also said to have bought the family a top-of-the-line Mercedes Benz V300 for R2.2 million.

The contractor further claimed that he paid for bus transport to the ANC Women’s League conference and for taxis, allegedly on behalf of Letsoha-Mathae.

READ ALSO: ‘Remember I was part of your plans’: Contractor’s WhatsApp messages accuse Free State PM of corruption

Seen in a WhatsApp message to Letsoha-Mathae The citizenthe company’s CEO complained that she had tried to discredit his company and instructed her department to stop using the company.

“I was told by the Ministry of Roads and Transport why I was treated so badly by you after I supported the organization (ANC) and the Mathae family with the project. After so many transactions I did for the Mathae family, I was suddenly stopped from the project that benefited you and your husband… No Prime Minister, please don’t do this, remember I was part of your plan, but today the time has come. like you’ve never known me, wow!”

Leave?

Letsoha-Mathae’s letter said she was taking a leave of absence, but internal ANC sources said the prime minister had instead been forced to take a leave of absence by the ANC. They say the party became concerned about its image after the allegations against the couple came to light and the subsequent Hawks investigation.

ActionSA provincial chairperson in the Free State, Patricia Kopane, has laid criminal charges in connection with the alleged bribery.

Kopane confirmed this The citizen that she had also filed charges against the Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature, Mxolisi Dukwana, and the contractor.

READ ALSO: Former Free State Prime Minister Mxolisi Dukwana accused of taking bribes and BMW for his son

Kopane said since Lawrence Mathae and Dukwana were also involved in the corruption scandal, they should also be suspended.

“These allegations require an equal investigation, and ActionSA calls for them to be placed on leave immediately to allow for an impartial investigation,” Kopane said.

“Allowing committed officials to maintain positions of influence undermines the Free State’s public trust, which is already vulnerable due to widespread problems of unemployment, poverty and corruption.”

Fikile Mbalula’s brother is appointed acting prime minister

Letsoha-Mathae appointed MEC for community safety, roads and transport Jabu Mbalula as acting prime minister during her month-long absence.

Mbalula’s selection for the top position has raised eyebrows among opposition parties who have questioned his lack of experience while highlighting his political connection to the ANC, as the brother of Fikile Mbalula, secretary general of the ANC.

Kopane said the ANC’s quick appointment of Mbalula raised suspicions about the integrity of the party’s actions.

“This decision appears to be a calculated move that puts political loyalty above real responsibility,” Kopane added.

The Hawks confirmed to Kopane that they were looking into the matter. She also reported the Prime Minister, her husband and Dukwana to the National Prosecuting Authority and the Public Protector.

“Only with real accountability and transparent action can the Free State hope to rebuild trust and deliver the services its people deserve,” Kopane said.

READ ALSO: ANC and Hawks ‘investigate’ prime minister accused of corruption

Roy Jankielsohn, the provincial leader of the Free State Democratic Alliance, said the party would table a motion of no confidence against Letsoha-Mathae. He said the party has filed an affidavit with the Hawks regarding the investigation of allegations of serious corruption against the Prime Minister and her husband regarding allegations made by the contractor.

“If the Prime Minister is formally charged, the DA will consult with other opposition parties in the Free State legislature to table a motion of no confidence against her. Whether due to work-related pressures causing medical conditions or criminal charges, it is doubtful that the Prime Minister will serve a full term in office,” Jankielsohn said.