Macpherson opens criminal case against suspended IDT CEO Malaka

CAPE TOWN - Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson has opened a criminal case against the suspended CEO of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), Tebogo Malaka.

This follows a video captured by the Daily Maverick online publication showing Malaka and the IDT’s spokesperson offering a journalist a R60,000 bribe to stop investigating and reporting about her.

Last week, Macpherson released the findings of a forensic investigation that indicated Malaka had a hand in the irregular award of tenders worth over R800 million for the supply of oxygen to more than 50 State hospitals.

Speaking outside the Cape Town Central Police Station on Thursday, Macpherson said he believes it's incumbent on his office to report Malaka’s conduct to the police and to respond to public outrage.

"This oath does not allow me to tolerate corruption. It does not allow me to make excuses for wrong doing, and every action we take, whether releasing forensic reports, suspending officials or opening criminal cases, it is about building a state that is capable, ethical and trustworthy.

It’s believed Malaka also offered journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh in on future tenders of the IDT if he stopped reporting about the entity.

Macpherson is of the view this indicates a broader net of criminality within the entity, which is intended to build and maintain State infrastructure such as schools and clinics.

"There’s clearly a network of individuals in the IDT who guarantee outcomes in exchange for cash," said the minister.