The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned the release of an affidavit concerning the VBS case.
According to the affidavit, purportedly written by former VBS chairperson Tshifhiwa Matodzi, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and his deputy, Floyd Shivambu, are implicated in the looting of VBS through Sgameka Projects (PTY) LTD, a company registered in the name of Shivambu’s younger brother, Brian Shivambu.
According to NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, the leak of the affidavit undermines the administration of justice and puts several people in danger, including members of the investigation and prosecution teams.
He stated that the NPA is exploring legal options in this regard.
“The disclosure of private papers in high-profile and complex corruption cases such as VBS jeopardizes the hard work of investigators and prosecutors. This work entails a multifaceted and long-term prosecution-guided strategy that necessitates the highest discretion and confidentiality, including the handling of documents and cooperation agreements with accused persons,” Mhaga stated.
He added that the NPA leadership has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions in Pretoria, whose jurisdiction the matter falls under, to conduct a thorough investigation into the leak in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) and hold those responsible accountable.
Matodzi was sentenced to 495 years in direct jail this week by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on counts of corruption, embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, and a pattern of racketeering acts that led to the demise of VBS Mutual Bank.
Matodzi pleaded guilty to 33 crimes and reached a plea agreement with the state. He was sentenced to 15 years for each offense.
Hawks spokeswoman Katlego Mogale noted that, while the cumulative term is 495 years, the court has ordered that the sentences for counts two through 33 run concurrently with count one, resulting in Matodzi serving an effective 15 years in prison. He was also deemed unsuitable to own a firearm.
The EFF has yet to respond to the allegations; however, Malema uploaded an image of himself with the caption: “For any inquiries, please refer to the archives for answers.”
He has long maintained his innocence in the VBS Bank looting case.
For any inquiries, please refer to the archives for answers. pic.twitter.com/oCak9cN7Iu
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) July 12, 2024
Meanwhile, ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have demanded action against Malema and Shivambu.
Victor Mothemela, ActionSA Limpopo provincial chairperson, announced that the party will write to the Hawks requesting an urgent investigation into the charges included in the affidavit.
The DA’s Baxolile Nodada added that it has written to Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee, requesting that he summon the South African Police Service to appear before the committee and explain why the charges laid against Malema and Shivambu for the collapse of VBS in 2018 have not progressed.
