Minister Simelane Under Fire as Ramaphosa Demands Report on VBS Scandal.

By: Buhle Mbhele

President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a detailed report and briefing from Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane regarding the VBS Bank corruption allegations.

Ramaphosa expressed concern over the revelations and expects a response from Simelane.

Pressure is mounting on Simelane as she finds herself embroiled in controversy surrounding the VBS saga.

On Monday, News24 and Daily Maverick published reports claiming that Simelane took a loan of more than half a million rand from a company that brokered unlawful investments of R349 million into VBS Mutual Bank by the Polokwane Municipality while she was mayor of the city in 2016.

Simelane reportedly used the loan to open a new coffee shop in Sandton, north of Johannesburg.

According to News24 and Daily Maverick, when the VBS scandal broke in March 2018, forensic investigations revealed that the owner of the company that loaned money to Simelane had received kickbacks totaling R24.2 million for acting as a commissioning agent for various municipalities and state entities.

The EFF and Defend Our Democracy are among the organisations calling for clarity regarding Simelane’s involvement in this matter.

In response to the growing concerns surrounding this story, Ramaphosa has taken it upon himself to seek answers from Simelane, as predictions suggest her job may be at risk.

Simelane has remained silent about these allegations.