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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has welcomed the arrest of four people in
connection with charges relating to fraud, theft and money laundering from
the Land Bank.

"The IFP welcomes the arrest of the former Land Bank CEO, the former housing
MEC in Limpopo and two others for misappropriating agriculture development
funds. The arrests are a victory for South Africa's fight against
corruption, and another step forward in turning around one of government's
struggling parastatals," said Mr Velaphi Ndlovu MP, the IFP's spokesperson
on Police.

Speaking about today's arrests, Ndlovu said: "These arrests are long
overdue. This matter dates back to the tenure of Ms Lulu Xingwana as Land
Affairs Minister, when these alleged criminals were led to believe that they
could pillage the Land Bank coffers with impunity. They were led to believe
that the law would not catch-up with them because of their close ties to the
Executive. However, the Hawks sent out a very clear message today that
high-flyers such as CEOs and MECs are not above the law, and that anyone, no
matter their status, found breaking the law will be punished."

Ndlovu called on the Hawks to deal with the matter swiftly. "The IFP calls
on the Hawks to expedite this matter. Stealing is a horrendous crime, but
stealing money from a BEE fund that was set-aside for upcoming, new emerging
farmers is unforgivable," concluded Ndlovu.