If Justice Minister Thembi Simelane is innocent of VBS corruption, it would be easy to prove - OpenSecrets

Lester Kiewit speaks to Michael Marchant, Head of Investigations at OpenSecrets.

Listen below.

Questions remain unanswered regarding Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's alleged links to the VBS scandal.

This week, the Daily Maverick and News 24 revealed that in 2016, while she was the executive mayor of Polokwane, Simelane received a loan of over R500 000 from a firm alleged to have received kickbacks connected to unlawful investments in the bank.

The loan was reportedly used to open a coffee shop in Sandton.

Simelane says the deal was above board, but so far failed to provide details of the loan agreement or proof that it was repaid.

"If it's been repaid, I can't see any reason why the Minister simply wouldn't provide the agreement and signed copies to show what the terms were and try and put the story to bed."

- Michael Marchant, Head of investigations - OpenSecrets

"By claiming there is proof it was a loan, but saying you're not going to provide any of that, it only invites disbelief from the public."

- Michael Marchant, Head of investigations - OpenSecrets

However, even if Simelane were to provide such evidence, says Marchant, there remains the question of her taking the loan in the first place.

"There was a conflict of interest at the time. She was the Executive Mayor of Polokwane!"

- Michael Marchant, Head of investigations - OpenSecrets

ALSO READ: ANC pledges to pay back any VBS money, as it calls for bank's revival

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.