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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has noted allegations made in the media by the former MEC for Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State, Sam Mashinini, that the Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela, has allegedly used her position in the province to influence a tender process.

Whilst these allegations are serious, the DA would like to encourage the former MEC, that if he has evidence of this wrongdoing to report these irregular activities to the SAPS.

The DA challenges the former MEC to provide us with the case number after he has reported the matter to the SAPS, and we will also submit questions in the Free State Legislature to confirm the case number for this matter and receive more specific details about the alleged attempts by the Premier to influence tender processes.

If the former MEC fails to provide us with the case number and fails to report the matter to the SAPS, we will have no choice but to lay criminal charges against the former MEC, in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. In terms of the Act, if a person assists another to benefit from the proceeds of unlawful activities then they shall be guilty of an offence.

The DA are tired of politicians making allegations and grandstanding in the media. If people have evidence of unlawful activities they have a moral duty as well as a legislative obligation to report these crimes to the SAPS.

The comments by the former MEC, Sam Mashinini, is a vindication of the DA’s position that the ANC are unfit to govern and are more divided than ever before. As the ANC’s factionalism consumes their efforts, the DA is uniting communities around our promise of better service delivery.

Leader of the Opposition in the Free State, Dr Roy Jankielsohn MP