Minister Simelane Rejects Eskom Corruption Allegations Amid Ongoing Investigations
Minister Thembi Simelane denies corruption allegations tied to her former role at Vitrovian, a company contracted by Eskom. Captain Wesley Lombard is set to return to the stand in the Joshlin Smith case to consider the admissibility of torture claims regarding confessions. Additionally, police are investigating a shooting incident in Johannesburg linked to taxi violence, with three men found dead.
Minister Thembi Simelane, responsible for Human Settlements, has categorically denied recent corruption allegations linked to her former position at Vitrovian, an Eskom contractor. A report by News24 alleges that the company inflated pricing at the Kusile power station during her tenure. These claims follow prior scrutiny regarding a loan she obtained through a middleman associated with the defunct VBS Mutual Bank. Simelane’s spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike, criticized the allegations as misleading, asserting that her role did not encompass financial oversight and labeled the report as “gutter journalism.”
In a separate legal matter, Captain Wesley Lombard, the investigating officer in the Joshlin Smith case, is set to return to the witness stand. This trial-within-a-trial aims to establish the admissibility of confession statements allegedly obtained under duress. Lombard indicated that co-accused, Stevano van Rhyn, was implicated after discrepancies emerged between his account and that of fellow accused, Jacquain Appollis. Van Rhyn’s defense attorney, Nobahle Mkabayi, has challenged the validity of Lombard’s detention decision, pointing out previous exonerations by earlier investigators. Lombard, however, asserted that Van Rhyn’s denial of seeing Joshlin Smith on the day of her disappearance was inconsistent with other evidence. Mkabayi will continue her cross-examination.
In recent violence in Johannesburg, three men were fatally shot in what appears to be a taxi-related incident in Vlakfontein. Gauteng police have launched an investigation after the victims were discovered with gunshot wounds in a Toyota Quantum vehicle. The motive for the attack remains unclear, prompting authorities to request assistance from the public. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS App.
In summary, Minister Thembi Simelane has strongly refuted corruption allegations linked to her past role with Vitrovian and has deemed the allegations as misleading. Meanwhile, the ongoing Joshlin Smith trial raises critical questions about confession admissibility, with continued examination of the investigating officer. Additionally, recent tragic events in Johannesburg highlight ongoing safety concerns in relation to taxi violence, prompting police investigations and public involvement in providing information.
Original Source: allafrica.com
