Making headlines: Zuma makes representations to NPA on corruption charges; EFF lays corruption charges against former ANC treasurer general; And, Motsoaledi says he feel personally betrayed

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’ m Thabi Madiba.

Zuma makes representations to NPA on corruption charges

President Jacob Zuma submitted his representations to the National Prosecuting Authority late yesterday to say why he should not face prosecution for the 2009 Spy Types saga.

The representations were initially supposed to be submitted in November 2017, but National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams extended the deadline to January 31.

NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku has confirmed that the president's legal representatives submitted his representations at 21:00 at the NPA offices.

A Supreme Court of Appeal ruling dismissed Zuma's and the NPA’s application to appeal a high court ruling that the dropping of the corruption charges against him by then NPA boss Mkotedi Mpshe was "irrational".

EFF lays corruption charges against former ANC treasurer general

The EFF opened a criminal case against former ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize at the Hillbrow police station yesterday.

This follows damning revelations by former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana, who on Tuesday told an Eskom inquiry looking into allegations of state capture, that the ANC had received money from companies doing business with the railway agency.

He claimed to have met with the former treasurer general at Angolan businesswoman Maria Gomez's home where he and Mkhize apparently discussed ANC finances.

In late 2015, the Prasa board approached the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg to review and set aside a contract with Swifambo Rail Leasing, following a series of exposés by Rapport newspaper detailing the unsuitability of the Spanish-built Afro 4 000 locomotives.

In 2016, the railway agency’s chairperson Popo Molefe claimed in court papers that the political party benefited from a locomotive deal it had with Swifambo.

And, Motsoaledi says he feel personally betrayed

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says he feels personally betrayed by what happened with the Gauteng marathon project which resulted in the death of 144 Life Esidimeni psychiatric patients.

Motsoaledi was testifying during the Life Esidimeni arbitration hearing in Parktown, Johannesburg.

Motsoaledi yesterday said he felt that people had been betrayed and that he also felt betrayed as the Minister of Health. This tragedy has tarnished the health system of the country, he said.

He shed tears as he testified and said that the project should never have happened.

He said it was quite painful and that those responsible must be charged.

 

Also making headlines:
Zimbabwe’s land ministry has issued a directive that would see an end to the discrimination of white farmers as they have now been included in a 99-year land lease, says a report.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today
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