Simelane tells MPs she has 'no authority' to interfere in any VBS-related prosecutions
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane is still responding to MPs regarding her loan from a VBS Bank fixer weeks after she appeared before the justice committee.
Minister of justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane appears before the portfolio committee on justice and correctional services to explain matters related to VBS Mutual Bank, 6 September 2024. Picture: Phando Jikelo/Parliament of SA
CAPE TOWN - Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane has assured Parliament that she has no authority to interfere in any VBS-related prosecutions.
Simelane is still at pains trying to explain herself and the loans she received from Gundo Wealth Solutions when she was Polokwane mayor.
She has faced more parliamentary questions.
Simelane is still responding to MPs regarding her loan from a VBS Bank fixer weeks after she appeared before the justice committee.
ALSO READ:
• ActionSA wants Public Protector to investigate Simelane over VBS-linked loan
• AG says only R107 million has been recovered from VBS Bank
• Simelane's future in Cabinet in Ramaphosa's hands, says Mbalula
• Simelane says she was only in contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act
• MPs not buying Justice Minister Simelane's loan explanation
• Simelane says she did not have an 'improper relationship' with VBS fixer
• Thembi Simelane gave full account to Mbalula's office on VBS corruption allegations - ANC
In a written parliamentary question, Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Glynnis Breytenbach asked Simelane if there was any conflict of interest on her part, as the political head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
In a written reply released on Thursday, Simelane said that as a Cabinet member responsible for the administration of justice, she had "no authority to interfere with decisions to prosecute or not".
"I am legally empowered to issue policy directives, which must be observed in the prosecution process," said Simelane.
Simelane said that as an "adherent of the respect to the rule of law", she would only act in accordance with the powers vested in her by the Constitution and the law.
The minister's latest response comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that Simelane had submitted documents to him regarding the loan agreement and asked for time and space.
Ramaphosa has also not taken any action against Simelane for her VBS links and perceived conflict.
Simelane this week also appeared before the African National Congress (ANC)'s integrity commission to answer questions about a questionable loan from the so-called "fixer" at the now defunct VBS Bank.