The IFP in the KZN Legislature is convinced that the arrest by the Hawks of former HOD of the KZN Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Dr Siphiwe Mkhize, is merely the tip of the iceberg in relation to the suspected corruption and embezzlement of Department funds.
Dr Mkhize and his accomplice, a High Court judge, who was the Department’s service provider, were arrested for their involvement in a R1-million vehicle deal.
While we applaud the news of these arrests, we are convinced that more heads should roll. We believe that numerous Department officials were embroiled in corruption involving of millions of rands since 2016, during his tenure in Office.
We believe that if the forensic investigation probing the drought relief fund – launched in 2012 by former MEC, Dr Meshack Radebe – can be released, it would open a can of worms. Almost R60 million in taxpayer’s money, meant to assist emerging farmers in rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal, went missing.
It is unacceptable – and raises questions – that despite this Department changing hands from MEC Dr Meshack Radebe, to Mr Themba Mthembu, to Hon. Bongi Sithole-Moloi, yet none of these MECs has had the courage to release the forensic report.
Why has it not been released? Who is being protected?
While much remains to be done, the IFP would like to commend the NPA for its work in bringing to book criminals masquerading as office-bearers. We trust their good work will continue, as they root out corruption in the public service.
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Contact
Hon. Nhlanhla Petros Msimango
IFP Spokesperson for Agriculture and Land Affairs in KZN Legislature
074 259 0820
