Simelane goes to ground after ActionSA's criminal complaint over her VBS-linked loan
Her department said she will no longer be responding to media queries on the matter until the investigation has been concluded.
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
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane has gone to ground in light of ActionSA opening a criminal case against her over her controversial VBS-linked loan.
Her department said she would no longer be responding to media queries on the matter until the investigation had been concluded.
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ActionSA has turned to law enforcement, claiming that the president, Public Protector, and Speaker of Parliament had shown no appetite in pursuing the matter.
Simelane has been caught in controversy over a loan she took from a former financial advisor to the City of Polokwane, who also operated as a fixer for the collapsed mutual bank.
She was mayor of the city during this period.
Department of Justice spokesperson, Thekiso Machike, said that the ministry had noted the development.
"An investigation into the matter will allow it to finally reach its logical conclusion. In view of the fact that the matter is now subject to a police investigation, the minister will not be responding to media inquiries until the matter has been concluded."