Nkandla: Investigation into Zuma corruption to be welcomed

10 November 2014

The Democratic Alliance welcomes the response from the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, stating that an "investigation in this regard has been initiated", relating to the 8 charges of corruption I laid against President Jacob Zuma for his role in the R246 million Nkandla scandal.

The Minister went further to say that the matter was "sub judice", meaning that the charges are now before the National Prosecuting Authority and the courts. The Minister uses the sub judice rule to not answer the following questions I posed to him:

Who is or are the investigating officer/s assigned to the case;

From whom have statements been taken thus far; and

What timelines have been set for the completion of the investigation?

If it is true that the matter is sub judice, then this is a confirmation that the charges of corruption against President Zuma have advanced beyond initial Police investigation. The Minister's use of the sub judice rule therefore suggests that the National Prosecuting Authority is considering charging, or has already charged, Jacob Zuma on these Nkandla corruption charges.

However, if the matter is not actually sub judice, then Minister Nhleko has deliberately misled Parliament in order to avoid answering uncomfortable questions, and to protect President Zuma from accountability for Nkandla. 

If the Minister was not truthful in his answer then he must face the consequences of misleading Parliament.

In a letter dated 01 April 2014, I received confirmation stating that the National Investigating Unit of the SAPS was investigating these 8 charges against Jacob Zuma, and that they would communicate with me once that investigation had been completed. Since then I have not been given a further update. I therefore welcome the update of the Minister of Police, confirming that criminal charges against President Zuma are under consideration. 

The integrity of our Democracy requires that President Zuma account for this scandal, including criminally.

The DA will continue to monitor the investigation, and any charges by the NPA. We expect outcomes in line with due process, and not political cover ups designed to protect President Zuma. 

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane MP, DA Parliamentary Leader, November 10 2014

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