Simelane's committee appearance a smokescreen, she should be suspended - ActionSA

JOHANNESBURG - ActionSA has described the appearance of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane before Parliament’s portfolio committee on justice as nothing more than a talk shop.

On Friday, Simelane is meant to account to the committee following allegations that she funnelled millions into the now defunct VBS mutual bank when she was Polokwane mayor.

It’s alleged some of the money made it through to a wealth management fund which allegedly gave Simelane a loan of R475,000, used to buy a coffee shop in Sandton.

READ: Simelane must account for VBS-linked corruption allegations against her: Judges Matter

ActionSA’s Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said a precedent had been set by other office bearers who’ve been exonerated by Parliament, despite many questions around their alleged involvement in corruption or maladministration remaining unanswered.

Trollip said Simelane should rather be facing these questions in a court of law.

"We have seen people being exonerated by Parliament before and the questions are still there like the Phala Phala matter so what we believe should be happening is that the minister should resign or be placed on suspension."