Former ANC spokesman Pule Mabe (right) and six of his co-accused appearing in the Palm Ridge Specialised Crimes Court in Ekurhuleni, after they handed themselves over to the police on 16 October 2024.
THE political landscape has seen some shocking arrests of politicians, especially ANC members, in 2024.
The arrests have sparked debate around accountability, corruption, and the nation’s legal system.
These events reflect the country’s bigger battle against corruption, claims of state control, and ongoing conflicts in the ANC.
The first arrest was that of former Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Her arrest followed a tense, weeks-long standoff with law enforcement agencies over a corruption investigation.
Mapisa-Nqakula (67) is facing 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering.
She’s been accused of soliciting approximately R4,5 million in bribes and receiving R2,1 million from a defence contractor in exchange for awarding contracts between 2016 and 2019. The bribes were allegedly paid in cash during her tenure as defence minister.
She was released on bail of R50 000. She’s claimed her arrest is politically motivated.
Another individual facing legal trouble was former minister Zizi Kodwa, who wasarrested on charges of corruption involving R1,6 million.
Kodwa, who is also the former deputy minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, was implicated in the State Capture Commission chaired by retired judge, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
He, together with businessman Jehan Mackay, faced allegations of receiving direct payments and luxury accommodation worth over R1,6 million.
These were allegedly paid by Mackay as gratuities for his interventions in government procurement processes to promote Mackay’s interests. However, charges against them were dropped by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
ALSO READ:Â Ramaphosa announces cabinet reshuffle
The NPA indicated that the decision was influenced by successful representations made by the accused to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and considered alongside evidential material, reports, and consultation with the investigating officer.
The most recent arrest was that of former ANC spokesman Pule Mabe.
Mabe has been charged with fraud following an investigation into a R27 million government tender.
It was found that five years ago, the provincial government in Gauteng signed a contract with a company named Enviro-Mobi for waste management services.
Enviro-Mobi didn’t disclose links to Mabe, who was a Member of Parliament at the time.
According to Hawks spokeswoman Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, Enviro-Mobi was awarded a tender for approximately R27 million.
The contract’s terms stated that payments would be considered only if 50% of the work was completed, with no upfront payments to the provider.
During the probe, it was revealed that the chief director and chief financial officer processed and paid over R25 million to Enviro-Mobi for 200 motorised three-wheelers, though the goods remained with the provider.
Mabe and his co-accused are currently out on R30 000 bail.
For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link
0 Comments