Ramaphosa requests meeting with Justice Minister Simelane over VBS allegations

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested a meeting with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane amid allegations that she received undue benefits from the VBS bank. 

Daily Maverick recently reported that Simelane brokered an unlawful investment of R349 million of municipal money into the now-defunct bank during her term as Polokwane mayor.

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The news report said that some of the money was transferred from a bank to a wealth management fund, which later gave Simelane loans totaling R475,000.

Simelane has pleaded her innocence, saying the loan was to buy a coffee shop in Sandton and she had since repaid it. 

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: "President Ramaphosa has noted with concern media reports containing allegations of corruption against the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Thembi Simelane. The president has requested a detailed report and briefing from the minister on the matter."