The political storm surrounding Thembi Simelane, South Africa’s Minister of Justice, continues to intensify as allegations tied to the infamous VBS Mutual Bank scandal resurface.
Story Summary
- Investigative reports allege Thembi Simelane’s involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, detailing her luxury purchases.
- The DA has filed a PAIA application to access the SIU’s report on Simelane’s conduct.
- Speculations suggest political motives behind the renewed allegations as the ANC remains silent.
Is Thembi Simelane the target of a removal agenda?
Journalists Pauli van Wyk and Kyle Cowan have launched an investigative series revealing Simelane’s purported involvement in the mismanagement of funds and her alleged luxurious spending habits.
This has reignited calls for her removal from office amid claims of political motivations behind the scandal’s resurgence.
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The first instalment of the investigative series paints a controversial picture of Simelane’s finances.
According to the report, Simelane allegedly benefited from illicit VBS payouts.
Transactions flagged by investigators include purchases of high-end brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, alongside the acquisition of a million-rand Mercedes-Benz.
Simelane has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Her legal representatives argue that the investigation lacks substantive evidence and claim she is being unfairly targeted due to her political position.
Adding to the mounting pressure, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office.
The opposition party seeks full disclosure of the report submitted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which allegedly links Simelane to financial misconduct.
DA spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach stated that the party would push for transparency to ensure accountability and prevent any potential cover-up.
The ANC has remained relatively quiet regarding the renewed allegations.
However, insiders suggest factions within the ruling party may be leveraging the VBS scandal to oust Simelane from her post.
This theory is supported by the absence of direct action against her since the initial VBS investigations concluded years ago.
Simelane’s fate hangs in the balance as public scrutiny intensifies.
Analysts note that the culmination of these events could either solidify her position through a strong defence or force her resignation if further evidence of corruption emerges.
