Action SA files charges against former Polokwane mayor
The charges stem from allegations linked to her time as mayor of Polokwane eight years ago, when she used her married surname of Nkadimeng.
POLOKWANE –Â Action SA Limpopo on Tuesday filed charges of forgery and violation of Section 34 of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities (Precca) Act against Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane.
The charges stem from allegations linked to her time as mayor of Polokwane eight years ago, when she used her married surname of Nkadimeng.
Read more: Former Polokwane mayor to answer on alleged VBS involvement
Section 34 of the Act requires certain officials, including members of parliament (MP), to report actions suspected to be corrupt or illegal.
Action SA MP Malebo Kobe, has taken legal action, citing frustration with the slow pace of investigations by entities such as the Public Protector.
In a supporting affidavit, Kobe referenced reports from two national media outlets, which claim to have uncovered irregularities in a 2016 loan agreement between Simelane and a municipal service provider.
The loan, amounting to R575.600, was reportedly used to purchase a coffee shop in Gauteng.
Reports suggest that the loan was backdated to conceal corrupt activities and that money may have been funneled from the municipality to Simelane’s account as a kickback.
The same financial services company involved in the loan had previously brokered investments for the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank, before the municipality withdrew its money in violation of the Municipal Finances Management Act.
The reports highlight inconsistencies in the loan agreement, noting contradictions in payment dates and the tense used in two consecutive paragraphs, suggesting possible forgery.
Simelane declined to comment on the circulating loan agreement but has faced scrutiny in parliament and within her party, the ANC.
In September, she admitted that the coffee shop was no longer in her name and that she repaid R849 000 in three instalments starting in October 2020.
She has, however, not given proof of these payments.
This case is gaining attention due to its connection with the broader financial mismanagement that led to the downfall of VBS.
