Hawks Complete Investigation into Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s Alleged Fraud: Calls for Her Removal Grow
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The Hawks have reportedly concluded their investigation into fraud and corruption allegations against Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the current Minister in the Presidency. The allegations date back to her tenure as the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Manager, where it is claimed that she was involved in the irregular awarding of a municipal tender worth R2.5 million in 2009.
At the time of the incident, Ntshavheni was the sole municipal official authorized to approve such contracts. The tender was awarded to an accounting firm in July 2009, but it was later discovered that the process was not conducted according to proper procedures, sparking concerns of fraud and corruption.
In 2020, the case took a significant turn when the judge presiding over the matter referred the investigation to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further scrutiny. After years of investigation, the Hawks confirmed to News24 on Friday that they have completed their probe into the allegations.
As a result, the case docket has now been handed over to the NPA’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision on whether or not to proceed with a prosecution. This move has escalated the situation, with several political parties calling for Minister Ntshavheni’s immediate removal from office.
Following the completion of the investigation, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been vocal in demanding Ntshavheni’s resignation. The opposition party argues that the Minister should not continue to hold office while under criminal investigation, particularly for such serious allegations.
In a statement, DA spokesperson on State Security, Dianne Kohler Barnard, emphasized that the Minister’s position is untenable under these circumstances. “We call on her to step down immediately. Failing which, the President must relieve her of her duties,” Barnard said.
Barnard further criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for his handling of allegations of corruption among members of his Cabinet. She argued that the President’s response to these ongoing investigations could either indicate ignorance of the allegations or suggest a lack of due diligence when appointing individuals to high office. “Either he was not aware of these allegations, which would be an indictment in itself, or he was aware, which would raise damning questions as to his duty of care as head of the executive,” Barnard added.
The DA insists that members of the executive must be above reproach and should maintain the highest standards of integrity. This case, they argue, is another example of a pattern of corruption allegations involving ANC ministers.
In a similar vein, ActionSA has also called for Ntshavheni’s suspension. The party’s Parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip, warned that the Minister’s involvement in a criminal investigation for fraud and corruption adds to an alarming list of Cabinet members who are under scrutiny for similar offenses.
Trollip highlighted the broader concern regarding President Ramaphosa’s ability to properly vet individuals before appointing them to critical government roles. “Ntshavheni has now joined a growing and worrying list of ministers under criminal investigation for fraud and corruption,” Trollip said, adding that it reflects poorly on the President’s exercise of due diligence when making appointments.
ActionSA’s call for Ntshavheni’s suspension follows a similar request made by the party last year regarding Minister Simelane, who faced allegations of soliciting a “loan” from a VBS-linked investment broker during her time as Mayor of Polokwane.
As the investigation is handed over to the NPA, the next steps remain uncertain. Should the DPP decide to pursue charges, it would mark a significant chapter in the ongoing battle against corruption in South Africa’s government.
The growing calls for Minister Ntshavheni’s removal highlight a mounting pressure on President Ramaphosa to act decisively in addressing corruption within his Cabinet. With various political parties now demanding accountability, the fate of Ntshavheni hangs in the balance, as the nation waits to see whether she will remain in office or face legal repercussions.
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