Cabinet Says No One Is ‘Above The Law’ As Covid-19 Fund Looters Arrested



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Minister of the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.

Minister of the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.

  • Cabinet supports all efforts to recover public funds from those who have engaged in fraudulent activities.
  • The Minister of the Presidency Jackson Mthembu said the arrests of those involved so that no one is above the law.
  • Mthembu has asked the public to report all criminal activities to law enforcement.

The recent arrests of people allegedly involved in corruption and the looting of Covid-19 welfare funds are a testament that no one is above the law.

This is according to a statement at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, delivered at a briefing by Presiding Minister Jackson Mthembu on Thursday.

“[It also] It demonstrates the government’s commitment to holding those who continue to break the law to account by robbing poor South Africans of much-needed government aid and aid.

READ | SIU investigates 10 dodgy Eastern Cape tenders

Mthembu said the cases included those related to the looting of Covid-19 welfare funds.

“[It also includes] the fraudulent acquisition of Covid-19 personal protective equipment, the scandal related to the asbestos housing project and [the] not reporting or not reporting to the South African Tax Service. Cabinet fully appreciates and supports all efforts to recover public funds from all those who have been involved in these fraudulent activities, “he said.

Entrepreneurs and ANC benefactor Edwin Sodi, allegedly the mastermind behind the asbestos project that raised 255 million rand in contracts in the Free State, was among a group of 16 people arrested on corruption, fraud and money laundering charges.

The Hawks have pounced on several other defendants for bid fraud and the looting of Covid-19 funds.

Mthembu also referred to the recent series of attacks and murders on farms.

He said the Cabinet fully supported the work of the police to arrest those who commit heinous crimes.

Added:

The farming community is an integral part of our economy, and crime on farms poses a threat, not only to the personal safety of farmers and farm workers, but also to the food security of the country. The government is accelerating the implementation of the revised rural security strategy to respond to the security needs of rural communities and support socio-economic development.

Last week, chaos erupted in the Free State city of Senekal following the emergence of Sekwetje Mahlamba and Sekola Matlaletsa for the murder of farm manager Brendin Horner. Horner’s body was found on a farm in Paul Roux on October 2.

The Cabinet also deliberated on the scourge of gender violence and feminicide and abuse of children.

Mthembu described the recent case of two eight-year-old girls (twins) from Mpumalanga, who were allegedly abused by their father, as deeply disturbing.

“One of the girls reported the incident to her school teacher and we must commend the response of the school that led to the arrest of the suspect. As a law-abiding and peace-loving nation, we should all stand together to condemn such heinous crimes with the greater contempt they deserve, “said Mthembu.

READ ALSO | Stolen State Covid-19 PPE Money Will Be Recovered – Jackson Mthembu

A man accused of the rape of his daughters is a former MEC in Mpumalanga. The ANC in Mpumalanga has suspended the member of its provincial executive committee (PEC).

Meanwhile, various board appointments were also made, including, among others, the South African Passenger Rail Agency, the State Diamond Trader, and the South African Diamonds and Precious Metals Regulator.

Livhuwani Tommy Makhode has been appointed Director General of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Pieter Uys Pretorius was appointed Deputy Director General (DDG) for Corporate Services in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Nonhlanhla Mkhize is the new DDG for environmental programs at the Department of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.

Attorney Martin Mafojane has been appointed as the Chief Teacher of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Nakampe Mogale is the new DDG for business management services in the Office of the Chief Justice.


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