DA & EFF to lay criminal charges against Zuma
The release of the Public Protector's report on Nkandla has prompted swift promises of action.
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are both expected to lay separate criminal charges against President Jacob Zuma this morning.
The release of the Public Protector's final report on the Nkandla saga has prompted swift promises of action, threats of criminal charges and a call for Zuma's impeachment.
Madonsela's two-year investigation has painted a bleak picture of a project which was initially supposed to cost taxpayers R27 million, but ballooned to an estimated quarter of a billion due to a dismal failure to control spending.
Thuli Madonsela: Picture: EWN.
The DA has reacted by also calling for Zuma's impeachment.
The party's Lindiwe Mazibuko said, "It had nothing to do with security or protecting the president. He benefitted improperly from state funds on his property, and all of the work done by ministers to quash this investigation was all an effort to protect Zuma."
Mazibuko added they would also be studying the report and tabling substantive motions against all ministers implicated in the saga, including Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi.
"He tried to appropriate the responsibilities of the speaker by deciding how this matter should be dealt with in secret. I think he's the most responsible. Siyabonga Cwele tried to distance himself earlier on by saying he didn't classify any reports."
The EFF called the findings a "Constitutional crisis" which required an impeachment of the president.
The EFF's Dali Mpofu said Madonsela was lenient when she said Zuma made an honest mistake when he misled Parliament.
"The fact is that the ministers have misbehaved and the person who is supposed to fire them is the person they were speaking about."
Congress of the People's leader Mosiou Lekota believes Zuma violated the law and the Constitution.
"He must be brought before Parliament and Parliament must take action and put him before the courts and he must account for his actions. There's enough evidence to say the president should be criminally liable."
Bruce Whitfield unpacking the cost of Nkandla.
SIU'S INVESTIGATION AT ADVANCED STAGE
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe says the Special Investigating Unit's (SIU) probe into the Nkandla saga is at an advanced stage.
Radebe said Public Works' policy had been tightened up and that the SIU would be reporting back soon.
"This report will form the basis of disciplinary action and criminal charges against all implicated individuals."
But he wouldn't be drawn on whether Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa should step down.
"Should those ministers resign? Let's wait until appropriate decisions are taken by Zuma."
