Corruption-accused Mabe steps aside from ANC NEC

JOHANNESBURG - Former African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Pule Mabe has stepped aside from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) following fraud and corruption charges.

Mabe, his wife Mmatlhekelo, and five other co-accused appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

It's alleged Mabe's company, Enviromobi, was improperly awarded a R27 million tender by the Gauteng Agriculture Department in 2017.

The State alleges the company failed to disclose its links to Mabe when it submitted its bid for the contract.

Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom shortly after his appearance, Mabe alleged he was being targeted.

ALSO READ: If corruption charges not withdrawn, Zizi Kodwa's legal team prepared to take matter to trial

Mabe has complied with the ANC's step-aside resolution, which requires members charged in a court of law to step down from party and public positions.

Mabe, who maintains his innocence, said he would use the court to prove he wasn't involved in any wrongdoing.

"Over the past 30 years that we have been members of the African National Congress, we have understood the importance of caring resolutions of the ANC with everything else that we do," said Mabe.

He said stepping aside from the ANC NEC won’t significantly impact his life.

"Effectively I was already aside. I don't have a big responsibility in the ANC that requires me to be going all over. I'm not chairing a sub-committee, I'm not in the NWC [national working committee] and I'm not a member of the National Assembly," he said.

Mabe and his co-accused were granted R30,000 bail each and are set to return to court on 25 March next year.