R3m will cover Gupta probe Madonsela
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is seeking additional resources – just R3m – to investigate the wealthy Gupta family and its relationship with President Jacob Zuma, which opposition parties and other critics allege is corrupt, says a BDlive report.
Madonsela said she was looking at ‘whether or not the government, and specifically the President, unlawfully allowed the Gupta family to choose Ministers and other occupants of high office’.
A Business Day report quotes Madonsela as saying her office had 'efficient ways of investigating complex matters'. The government has already been approached for the funds, Madonsela's spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said, according to a News24 report.
He said although Madonsela's term in office ends in October, the team will continue the investigation with whoever succeeds her.
The DA has decided to approach Justice Minister Michael Masutha with a request for funds, Die Burger reports. As the Public Protector has yet to receive a response from Treasury, DA leader Mmusi Maimane says the party has approached Masutha to intervene.
The DA argues it is the duty of the Treasury and the Justice Department to ensure that the Chapter Nine institution is fully funded.
‘The DA proposed an amendment to the national budget last month to ensure that the Public Protector’s office is sufficiently funded by allocating an additional R117.89m to her office,’ Maimane is quoted as saying.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
