ANC fails to refer nail polish thief to Ethics Committee 

5 July 2016

On 17 June 2016, the DA wrote to the Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Ms. Mamiki Qabathe, concerning the arrest of ANC MPL, Sarah Moleleki. She was arrested in Cape Town for shoplifting. She appeared in court and agreed to participate in a rehabilitation programme. The charges were withdrawn.

The DA requested the Speaker to refer the matter for further investigation to the Ethics Committee and to convene a meeting of the Rules and Orders Committee to deal with this matter urgently. 

The DA did this in order to maintain the integrity of the Legislature and that of Members. The Code of Ethics clearly stipulates what sort of behaviour a Member should exhibit at all times, more so for a serving Chairperson of a Portfolio Committee and the Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC caucus.

21 days later we have not received any response, not even an acknowledgement letter. This shows the ANC’s unwillingness to handle this matter. It is a clear sign that the ANC-led government has no interest in maintaining the integrity of the Free State Legislature, as they have failed to act against a senior member who has broken the law.

The DA reiterates its call for the Speaker to do the right thing and immediately refer this matter to the Ethics Committee.

On 3 August, people will show this government how tired they are of corruption and the lack of accountability by voting for the DA. A vote for the DA is a vote for a responsive, accountable, clean government. 

Issued by Patricia Kopane, DA Free State Leader, 5 July 2016