ActionSA says corruption-accused Simelane has no business attending BRICS meeting in Russia

CAPE TOWN - ActionSA says Justice Minister Thembi Simelane has no business attending a BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa] Ministers of Justice meeting in Russia while a cloud of corruption hangs over her head.

Simelane is scheduled to travel to Moscow this week to attend the meeting on Wednesday until Friday.

The Justice Minister is facing allegations that she funnelled millions into the now defunct VBS Mutual bank when she was Polokwane mayor.

READ: Ramaphosa says he needs 'time and space' to process information submitted by Simelane regarding VBS loan 

It's alleged a portion 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.  

ActionSA parliamentary leader, Athol Trollip said the minister's attendance at the meeting is ill-advised.

"We don't believe she should be conducting any official business in her capacity as Minister of Justice, especially not international business, until her name has been cleared with regards to the VBS funding and loan saga that is hanging like a cloud over the Minister's head," Trollip said.