Opposition parties want Simelane to step aside over loan from VBS fixer

CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties want Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane to step aside over her loan from a VBS fixer.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said this must happen pending the outcome of the current investigation into revelations about her alleged involvement in what the party calls a "questionable" R500,000 loan transaction during her tenure as mayor of Polokwane.

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Simelane was in Parliament on Friday, where she was at pains trying to explain the loan to members of Parliament (MPs), insisting that it was not improper and was paid back in full.

DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach said despite whether Simelane had repaid the loan from Gundo Wealth Solutions or not, the fact remained that the money involved was tainted and "dodgy".

She said the loan's apparent exorbitant interest rate also raised serious concerns after Simelane told the Justice Committee that the final payment amounted to over R800,000.

She said that Simelane's current role as minister placed her in an "untenable conflict of interest" and she must step aside.

“I must deal with the glaring current conflict of interest that certainly exists, whether you want to see it or not, that certainly exists between yourself and the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority].”

But Simelane said in a statement after Friday's meeting that she was not involved "in prosecutorial decisions made by the NPA".