Justice delayed again: The people of Matjhabeng the real victims

25 August 2016

The DA notes with concern the delay in the State’s case against MEC for Health, Dr Benny Malakoane, and the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mathabo Leeto. 

The court has postponed this case for the ninth time as a result of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions indecision to pursue the case of not. 

If justice delayed is justice denied, then the residents of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality are the real victims in this case.

The allegations involve fraud and corruption charges stemming from several multi-million Rand irregular contracts awarded by the Matjhabeng Local Municipality between October 2007 to June 2008. MEC Leeto was the then executive mayor while MEC Malakoane was the Municipal Manager at the municipality. 

Matjhabeng Local Municipalities is notorious for being one of the worst governed municipalities in the country. The people of Matjhabeng are not only victims of poor service delivery, but also risk becoming further victims of the State’s handling of this case. 

This is one of the most high-profile cases to be heard by the court in the Free State and the people of the province need the assurance that the criminal justice system is looking after their interests. 

The DA in the Free State is monitoring this case closely to ensure that justice is served. 

Issued by Roy Jankielsohn, Leader of the Official Opposition in the Free State Provincial Legislature, 25 August 2016