Mantashe invites journalists to view security upgrades at his properties

Minister of Mineral Resources and chairperson of the ANC Gwede Mantashe has invited journalists to accompany him to his homes following accusations Bosasa paid for his security upgrades.

“The Bosasa issue has opened up an avenue for people to attack me in person from different angles,” Mantashe wrote on Twitter.

“Others are disappointed for me to be associated with [the] Bosasa saga, which I apologise to. Others are ‘Fishers of Corrupt Men’, those will be disappointed. I have to clarify the issue,” Mantashe said.

“I’ve already written a letter which I will send to the State Capture Commission that states my intentions to give evidence to the commission. Before I do that, I want members of the media to visit my residences so that when I submit the evidence, they can put it into context.”

Mantashe said he would take “a number” of journalists on February 9 and 10 to his “sites/residences” in Boksburg, Cala and Elliot. “I want them to see these security upgrades that are much talked about in the media so that they may report accurately,” Mantashe said.

Former Bosasa head of special projects Richard le Roux, whose job was to install hi-tech security systems at the homes of ANC heavyweights, ministers and high-ranking government officials, has told of regular visits to Bosasa offices by Jacob Zuma, Police Minister Bheki Cele and Jacob Zuma Foundation chair Dudu Myeni.

Earlier testimonies by former Bosasa employees have painted a picture of Gavin Watson as a CEO who had close relations with former president Zuma, ministers and senior government officials.

Last week’s Commission of Inquiry into State Capture hearing ended in tears when Congress of the People (Cope) MP Dennis Bloem broke down and wept in a week dominated by testimony from witnesses on widespread correctional services graft.

Bloem said the mysterious death in 2011 of then national prisons commissioner Vernie Petersen had to be probed.

Petersen – who was credited for introducing strategies to rid the department of corruption – was transferred to sport and recreation after a year at correctional services.

“I am making a plea to the commission to please investigate Vernie Petersen’s death because he was vocal in fighting corruption and died a mysterious death,” said Bloem.

– brians@citizen.co.za

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