With about 100 days of public hearings completed, the Madlanga commission has reached an important milestone in the fight against institutional corruption.

But at the top of the list of urgent issues is the commission’s funding. The department of justice and constitutional development confirmed on 28 April that additional funds are needed to cover the commission’s extension until the end of August.

Mmamoloko Kubayi, minister of justice and constitutional development, has already approached Enoch Godongwana for extra funding after about R123 million of the original R147 million budget has been exhausted. There is currently about R24 million remaining.

Dhlamini denies allegations amid evidence

Umashi Dhlamini, suspended deputy chief of the Tshwane metro police (TMPD), testified further.

He denied all allegations of tender manipulation, despite WhatsApp messages between him and Fanie Nkosi, a suspended police sergeant. The messages indicate that Dhlamini used Nkosi as a middleman to communicate with Gareth Mnisi, Tshwane’s suspended chief financial officer, regarding tender processes.

His testimony also raised questions about alleged political pressure and the role of so-called preferred companies.

Businessman in focus

Another key figure is Suliman Carrim. He remains central to allegations of large-scale corruption, including the alleged receipt of hundreds of millions of rand from municipal tenders and attempts to influence a contentious police contract.

His testimony is important, particularly in light of new evidence regarding suspicious bank transactions. Bank statements are currently being examined by adv. Matthew Chaskalson, chief evidence leader of the Madlanga commission.

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Bail granted

Julias Mkhwanazi, suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni metro police (EMPD), and his co-accused, Kagiso Lerutla, the city manager, were released on bail of R30 000 each.

They face charges of fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

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The case, which also involves Fannie Masemola, the suspended national police commissioner, relates to a R360 million tender scandal and could shed further light on the networks currently being investigated by the commission.

The commission is currently under pressure to complete its work before the deadline of 31 August, with a second interim report due to be handed to president Cyril Ramaphosa on 29 May.

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SOURCE: Die Papier