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Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde should not be let off the hook now that she has been fired by President Zuma. On August 7, DA representatives laid charges against the former Public Works Minister for contravention of the Public Protector Act and in terms of the Intimidation Act (as it was reported that the former Public Works Director-General (DG), Siviwe Dongwana, feared for his safety and for that of his family as a result of pressure from the Minister and Roux Shabangu to continue with the lease).

DA representatives have met with the Hawks, signed the necessary documents and have been assured by the Pretoria-based Colonel in charge of the investigation that it is currently underway.

This investigation must now continue in order to hold Mahlangu-Nkabinde fully accountable to her actions. The President’s move to finally fire her as Minister of Public Works was the first step in the right direction, but the criminal investigation needs to be completed in order to bring this process to completion. In addition, the suspension of national police commissioner Behki Cele paves the way for an unfettered investigation by the Hawks.

We will today write to the Hawks to request an update on this investigation. If it is found that the former Minister breached the Public Protector Act and the Intimidation Act, then justice must be served in accordance with the law.