The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken a decisive step in the fight against corruption by laying criminal charges against Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen, and national spokesperson Solly Malatsi lodged the charges at the Cape Town Central Police Station in the Western Cape on Monday.
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This move comes in response to a series of explosive exposés published by investigative journalists, which have shed light on the alleged web of corruption and state capture in which Mashatile has been implicated for almost two decades, dating back to his time as Gauteng MEC.
Steenhuisen emphasized that the decision to lay criminal charges was not taken lightly. He had previously delivered a dossier to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to take action against Mashatile before the State of the Nation address (Sona).
Steenhuisen expressed disappointment in the president’s lack of action, stating that it was contradictory to speak about combating corruption and eliminating state capture while having someone with serious allegations occupying a high-ranking position.
In addition to the criminal charges, the DA plans to file a complaint with Parliament’s Executive Members’ Ethics Act against Mashatile and approach the office of the Public Protector. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates the party’s commitment to holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in government.
President Ramaphosa has previously defended Mashatile, stating that he saw no suspicion of criminality in the deputy president’s associations. However, the DA’s actions indicate that they believe there is substantial evidence to warrant a thorough investigation into Mashatile’s alleged involvement in corrupt practices.
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