Presidency says Ramaphosa to take decision on corruption-accused Justice Minister

CAPE TOWN - The Presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa will decide "quite soon" on Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, who's facing claims of impropriety linked to the now-liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.  
 
At a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, his spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said it's a matter that’s top of mind for the president.  

Ramaphosa has been criticised by political parties for being too slow to act on a report he received from Simelane, purportedly detailing the transaction that’s landed her in hot water.  

READ: Embattled Justice Minister Simelane to dodge Parly committee, sends deputy instead

In the meantime, The Presidency said it's confident her department is unaffected by the scandal.  

More than a month since Ramaphosa received a report from Simelane, he's yet to express his views on the matter. 

Simelane has also explained her version to Parliament's Justice Committee. 

Magwenya said in taking his time to make a pronouncement, the president is well aware of the importance of the Justice Department being led by a minister who's above reproach.  

READ: ActionSA opens criminal charges against Simelane over VBS loan saga
  
"As things stand, there’s no evidence that these revelations about the minister’s past financial transactions have had any impact on the functioning of the department. There’s no evidence of any political interference whatsoever, at least not to the president’s knowledge," said Magwenya.
  
Magwenya said the agencies falling under the department continue to do their work unhindered by this saga.  

Ramaphosa will also be questioned about the Simelane matter during question time in the National Assembly on Thursday.