Mkhwebane considering whether to continue with probe into Molefe, Koko

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has reportedly indicted that she may not investigate multimillion-rand cases involving former Eskom boss Brian Molefe and former acting CEO Matshela Koko, City Press reports.

According to the report, Mkhwebane claimed in a letter to DA leader Mmusi Maimane that this was due to a second ongoing investigation by a parliamentary inquiry into state capture.

The public protector said her preliminary investigation into the matter had been concluded, however, she was considering whether it would be prudent for her office to conduct a parallel investigation.

The investigations relate to a R30 million pension payout made by the power utility to Molefe, as well as allegations that Koko awarded a R1 billion contract to his step-daughter.

“The investigation is ongoing. It has also been noted that Parliament, in particular the portfolio committee on public enterprises, was also investigating the same matter relating to similar issues,” Mkhwebane reportedly wrote.

Des van Rooyen’s alleged visits to the Guptas’ Saxonwold compound

Mkhwebane also informed the DA she plans to reveal her findings soon on whether Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Des van Rooyen misled parliament and the public about his alleged visits to the Guptas’  Johannesburg Saxonwold home ahead of his appointment as finance minister in December 2015.

She stated in the letter to Maimane, dated November 2: “The investigation into this matter has been concluded and I am in a process of finalising my report on the outcome of the investigation. It is envisaged that the report will be issued soon.”

Her predecessor Advocate Thuli Madonsela, in her State of Capture report, found that Van Rooyen could be placed at the Saxonwold area on at least seven occasions, including on the day before he was announced as finance minister.

Van Rooyen previously denied visiting the Gupta home before his appointment, including in answers to parliament.

City Press also reports that, Mkhwebane confirmed the probe into Police Minister Fikile Mbalula and former acting natiobal police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane was at an advanced stage.

The investigation relates to allegations that the pair misused state resources by providing VIP protection to ANC presidential candidate Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

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