Matodzi's VBS claims against EFF leaders should be taken 'with a pinch of salt'

JOHANNESBURG - Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) national chairperson, Dali Mpofu, said that even if former VBS chair Tshifhiwa Matodzi’s explosive claims about the party’s leadership were true, no crime was committed.

Matodzi last week entered into a deal with the prosecuting authorities, pleading guilty to a string of crimes in connection with VBS' collapse and receiving an effective 15 years behind bars in return.

In a leaked affidavit, he has now implicated EFF leader Julius Malema and his deputy, Floyd Shivambu, in dodgy dealings, claiming the bank agreed to make a donation to the party at a meeting following “negative criticism”.

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Speaking to 702's Clement Manyathela on Monday, Mpofu cast doubt on the veracity of Matodzi’s claims, saying they should be taken "with a pinch of salt".

This against the backdrop of his recent conviction.

He said, though, that even if the claims were true, they don’t suggest any criminality on the part of the EFF and its leadership.

Mpofu said that there was no quid pro quo at play but he also insisted that even if there was, they would be in the clear.

He said even if they had agreed to rein in their criticism in exchange for a donation, which again he was adamant did not happen, that "it is not a crime not to criticise someone."

Matodzi's VBS claims against EFF leaders should be taken 'with a pinch of salt' - Mpofu

Former VBS chair Tshifhiwa Matodzi implicated EFF leader Julius Malema and his deputy, Floyd Shivambu, in dodgy dealings, claiming the bank agreed to make a donation to the party at a meeting following 'negative criticism'.