Prosecute high ranking fraudsters
When State funds, which could have been channelled to improve the lives of South Africans, are blatantly squandered, the question must be asked: who will be held accountable?
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s term of office will no doubt stand out for the high number of probes and riveting commissions of inquiry into State Capture, corruption, fraud and maladministration.
It is welcome news that government is taking the lead in rooting out poor governance, exposing wrongdoing and providing a platform for whistle-blowers to come forward without fear of repercussion.
But there has to be more than just an exposé of the rot within high circles.
When State funds, which could have been channelled to improve the lives of South Africans, are blatantly squandered, the question must be asked: who will be held accountable?
Last week the Empangeni home of ANC heavyweight Mike Mabuyakhulu was raided, with assets seized by the Hawks, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and a team of curators.
The provincial deputy chairperson, along with other individuals and companies, face six charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and theft linked to the North Sea Jazz Festival which was cancelled in 2012.
While the timing of Friday’s raid is questionable seeing that it is in the run-up to the elections and Mabuyakhulu was mooted for the KZNpremiership, what happens now?
Was it just a ploy to jeopardise his political future and take him out of the running, or will the implicated individuals eventually have their day in court?
Just as ordinary South Africans are quick to be charged with fraud and theft and face the full might of the law, political and business heavyweights should not be exempt from the harsh hand of the judiciary system.
South Africans watched in disbelief and utter disgust this week as former Bosasa chief operating officer turned whistle-blower, Angelo Agrizzi, revealed the names of high-ranking government beneficiaries who benefitted from hefty bribes.
The Zondo inquiry into State Capture heard in detail how several senior civil servants, MPs and ministers allegedly received bags of cash concealed in folders or newspapers for delivery at home or at restaurants.
It is important to note that Agrizzi’s testimony remains untested and may still be challenged by implicated parties.
But what is certain is that there will be a flurry of cases emanating from the commission and implicated individuals must be charged accordingly and prosecuted if found guilty.
It is imperative that justice is served, as sadly those who face the brunt of maladministration, mismanagement and poor governance are the poorest of the poor and already overstretched taxpayers.
