This week, the Democratic Alliance will be laying charges against Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for violating section 49(2) of the Immigration Act by smuggling her late son’s alleged girlfriend, Michelle Wege, into South Africa. This is in addition to the request for the Public Protector to investigate the violations of the Members Executive Ethics Act.

Specifically, section 49(2) of the Immigrations Act expressly stipulates that “Anyone who knowingly assists a person to enter or remain in, or depart from the Republic in contravention of this Act, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment not exceeding five years.”

This comes after Minister Mapisa-Nqakula travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where Ms Wege had been arrested for trying to board a flight to South Africa by using a fraudulent passport possibly arranged by Mapisa-Nqakula’s sister, Nosithembele, who was suspended for irregularities pertaining to travel documents and was suspended, but has since been reinstated.

Minister Mapisa-Nqakula vehemently emphasised the plight of Ms Wege as a frightened woman needing an escape from an abusive father. Wege’s father has since come out denying abusing his daughter, and stating business ties to Mapisa-Nqakula.

We understand that the Minister may have been acting on compassionate grounds, however she cannot act as a law unto herself, and we reiterate our call for a full investigation of this incident. Failing to do so will set a precedent for members of the Executive to act outside the law and without impunity which is at odds with the provisions in our Constitution that prohibit such conduct.

The ANC has for long misused their political power for their own benefit. The absolute disregard with which ANC Ministers treat the law, as well as their Oath of Office is a slap in the face of our democratic dispensation. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula must be held to account.

The DA will fight tirelessly for the integrity of the Constitution, and ensure that no one is regarded as above the law.

On 3 August 2016 South Africans have the opportunity to vote for a DA government that prioritizes all South Africans, not the connect few who abuse state resources for personal reasons.

Issued by DA