/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape welcomes the swift action by the Hawks in arresting five people, including a high ranking ANC politician in the Kouga Municipality,

The ANC today confirmed at a press conference that ANC Caucus Leader in the Kouga Municipality, Cllr Eldridge “Chico” Februarie has been arrested.

Cllr Februarie is one of five people that were arrested today for allegedly defrauding the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) of more than R450 000. The suspects are being charged with fraud and money laundering.

Februarie has been under investigation since last year for his part in submitting alleged fraudulent invoices to the union.

It is now crystal clear that the ANC’s press conference today, during which they announced that they are tabling a motion of no confidence in the Executive Mayor of the Kouga Municipality, DA councillor Horatio Hendricks, is nothing more than a smoke screen to distract from the rampant corruption within the party.

If the ANC is serious about rooting out corruption, it should remove Cllr Februarie with immediate effect.

Politicians are not above the law. Public representatives are supposed to set an example and should be held to a higher standard. The ANC clearly does not share this sentiment and its members seem to break the law with impunity.

The DA supports the investigation by the Hawks and hopes for a speedy outcome that will see those guilty of criminality face the full might of the law.

Issued by The DA